Maharashtra pushes for UNESCO tag to recognise Lonar Lake’s unique heritage

The Maharashtra government is preparing to submit a proposal to the Archaeological Survey of India ASI for the inclusion of the renowned Lonar Lake in Buldhana district in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list as per PTI reports The initiative seeks to elevate the lakersquos global significance as a hub for tourism and research while enhancing its conservation effortsAmravati Divisional Commissioner Nidhi Pandey recently convened a meeting with officials from various departments at Lonar to discuss the proposal ldquoThis proposal will soon be presented marking a significant step towards achieving recognitionrdquo Pandey told PTIBuldhana District Collector Kiran Patil confirmed that the proposal is in its final stages Once polished it will be submitted Lonar Lake is distinct from other UNESCO sites as it combines geological cultural and scientific significance being a meteorimpact formation Patil explainedThe lake situated around 460 km from Mumbai is not only a natural marvel but also a cultural treasure surrounded by temples over 1200 years old The proposal highlights its unique geological formation and underscores the pressing need for conservationldquoWe are cataloguing the arearsquos biodiversity compiling data on ancient temples and documenting findings from excavations and meteorimpact research conducted by institutions such as the Smithsonian and the Geological Society of Indiardquo Patil addedOnce the proposal is submitted to the ASI it will undergo a rigorous review before being forwarded to UNESCO A World Heritage designation would recognise the lakersquos ldquooutstanding universal valuerdquo and make it Indiarsquos 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site joining the likes of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves and Mumbairsquos Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusLocal activist Gajanan Kharat a strong advocate for the lakersquos preservation emphasised the need for greater governmental efforts ldquoWhile some bureaucrats are supportive much work remains For instance no signboards have been installed along national highways or the NagpurMumbai Samruddhi Expressway to attract visitorsrdquo Kharat said He also highlighted the need for investment in hospitality to enhance tourist experiences which would in turn create jobs for the local communityCollector Patil noted ongoing upgrades in Buldhana including improvements to basic infrastructure like bus stands Efforts are also underway to clear encroachments and widen access roads to nearby attractions such as the ancient Daitya Sudan temple which boasts exquisite stonework and artistryLonar Lake formed approximately 50000 years ago by a highvelocity meteor strike is the worldrsquos largest basaltic impact crater Spanning 18 kilometres in diameter and 150 metres in depth its salinealkaline waters and surrounding ecosystem have been the focus of extensive research by leading global institutionsThe lake also a designated Ramsar site and wildlife sanctuary faces ecological challenges Rising water levels have submerged five temples within the crater prompting the Bombay High Courtrsquos Nagpur Bench to establish a committee to oversee its protection and developmentAccording to official data the site attracted over 426 lakh domestic tourists 72 international visitors and five researchers last year However authorities have banned bathing in the lake and imposed strict restrictions on construction activities in its vicinity to safeguard its ecological integrityThe UNESCO submission underscores the lakersquos cultural scientific and ecological value blending ancient history with modern conservation needs As per PTI reports Maharashtra hopes that the designation will not only boost tourism but also secure the longterm preservation of this extraordinary natural and cultural heritage siteWith inputs from PTI