Lonar Lake in Maharashtra has witnessed a sudden rise in water level by nearly 15–20 feet since September 2025, raising concerns over its fragile ecosystem and biodiversity. The issue has drawn the attention of the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, which directed registration of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to investigate the phenomenon and protect the lake’s ecological balance.
According to reports, the continuous inflow of water from the four perennial springs surrounding the lake has significantly increased the lake’s water level. Experts estimate that the water has risen by approximately 15 to 20 feet over the last few months.The rising water has already submerged several important structures around the lake:
This unusual hydrological change has triggered environmental as well as heritage-related concerns.
Lonar Lake is globally known as a saline and alkaline crater lake. Environmentalists and researchers have warned that the continuous mixing of freshwater with the lake’s saline water could alter its delicate ecological composition.Key concerns include:
Experts fear that prolonged freshwater inflow may permanently alter the lake’s natural ecological structure.
Taking serious note of the issue, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court intervened and ordered the filing of a PIL.The bench comprising:
appointed Advocate Mohit Khajanchi as Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) and directed submission of a detailed PIL within seven days.The intervention reflects judicial concern regarding:
The Maharashtra administration has initiated field inspections to understand the phenomenon.The inspection team included:
| Expert/Official | Role |
|---|---|
| Professor Ashok Tejankar | Groundwater Expert from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar |
| Bhushan Patil | Tehsildar |
However, experts stated that the exact scientific reason behind the sudden rise in water level is still unclear and requires detailed hydrological and geological research.Possible areas of investigation may include:
Lonar Lake holds immense significance in the fields of:
It attracts researchers and tourists from across the world because of its unique origin and chemical properties.The lake was formed due to a meteorite impact, making it one of the world’s rare hypervelocity impact craters formed in basaltic rock.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Buldhana district, Maharashtra |
| Origin | Meteorite impact crater lake |
| Type | Saline and alkaline lake |
| Global Significance | Important for geological and scientific research |
| Geological Importance | Rare impact crater formed in basaltic rock |
| Biodiversity Concern | Sensitive saline ecosystem under threat due to freshwater inflow |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Concern Raised | Threat to biodiversity and ecological balance of Lonar Lake |
| Bench | Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wakode |
| Action Taken | Ordered registration of PIL |
| Amicus Curiae Appointed | Advocate Mohit Khajanchi |
Updated – 22 January 2026 ; 11:41 AM |NDTV News Source