Lonar Lake to be transformed into vibrant hub for science, biodiversity

In one of Indiarsquos largest peoplescience initiatives Lonar Lake the iconic meteorite crater in Maharashtrarsquos Buldhana district is set to be transformed into a vibrant centre for science biodiversity cultural heritage archaeology and sustainabilityThe move aims to bring this National GeoHeritage Monument closer to the public Lonar Lake formed nearly 50000 years ago within the basaltic Deccan Plateau is renowned for its ecological geological and planetary significance with features resembling impact craters on the Moon and MarsThe National Centre for Science Communicators NCSC Mumbai in collaboration with the Nehru Science Centre the Scientific Research Centre of Kelkar Education Trust Mulund and Late Ku Durga K Banmeru Science College Lonar held a oneday conference titled Exploring Lonar Lake Science Biodiversity Sustainability and Cultural Heritage to chart the roadmap for the lakersquos preservationThe conference highlighted the need for sustained research science communication policy support and public participation to ensure the lakersquos longterm conservation Experts raised concerns over rising ecological stress including sewage inflow agricultural encroachment excessive tourism climate change impacts and declining alkalinity which indicate ecological imbalanceldquoLonar Crater or Lonar Lake is not just a site If we look at Lonar town it is a university in itself While Lonar Lake is the focal point of attraction and geoheritage site there are temples which are known for their archaeology and mythology Besides there is rich biodiversity and birdliferdquo said NCSC Chief Executive Officer Suhas NaikSatam one of the leading science communicatorsAs part of the initiative a Centre for Excellence in Lunar Exploration CELE will be established at Ku Durga K Banmeru Science College to engage the public in lunar science and planetary research and make complex scientific issues accessible to common citizensConference highlightsConference convenor and College Principal Dr Prakash K Banmeru highlighted Lonarrsquos global relevance as a multidisciplinary research hubIn his presidential address NCSC Chairman Siddhivinayak Barve called for a dedicated National Lonar Lake Research and Conservation Laboratory to ensure longterm ecological protectionFormer University of Mumbai ViceChancellor Sanjay Deshmukh cautioned against unregulated tourism stressing that poorly managed inflow could harm the lakersquos fragile ecosystemsArchitect Samrat Sarode traced the evolution of Hemadpanthi temple architecture around the crater and pointed out key conservation challengesVeteran science journalist and NCSE Vice Chairman Vitthal Nadkarni explained the lakersquos impact features including shockmetamorphosed rocks and shatter cones underscoring Lonarrsquos significance as a global field laboratoryNCSC Secretary Chandrashekhar Marathe detailed the lakersquos rich biodiversity highlighting extremophile microorganisms algal diversity migratory birds and unique floraGeologist Mayura Deshmukh linked the craterrsquos formation to the Deccan Traps while researcher Ganesh D Gaikwad emphasised the importance of cultural heritage and community participation in conservation effortsIn the valedictory address Umesh Kumar Rustagi director of the Nehru Science Centre said such interdisciplinary platforms are crucial for integrating science sustainability and heritageA sky observation session conducted by Sheetal Chopade allowed participants handson experience with celestial observation further enhancing the learning experience