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Maharashtra is intensifying efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Lonar Lake in Buldhana district, officials have confirmed. The state government is preparing to submit a proposal to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with the goal of having the lake recognised globally, to boost tourism, research, and conservation efforts in the region.
Amravati Divisional Commissioner Nidhi Pandey recently convened a meeting with various departmental officials at Lonar to discuss the proposal. “This proposal will soon be presented, marking a significant step toward achieving recognition,” Pandey told PTI.
Buldhana District Collector Kiran Patil mentioned that the proposal is nearing completion. “We will submit it once it is refined. Unlike other UNESCO sites, Lonar Lake is unique as it combines several categories. It is a geological and scientific marvel, formed by a meteor impact,” Patil explained.
The Lonar Lake crater has numerous temples, some of which are over 1,200 years old. The proposal emphasises the lake's geological significance and stresses the need for immediate conservation efforts. “We are cataloging biodiversity, compiling data on the temples, and documenting rare discoveries from excavations and studies on the meteor impact,” Patil added.
Once submitted to the ASI, the proposal will undergo a thorough review before being forwarded to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). A UNESCO designation would recognize Lonar Lake, which spans 113 hectares, as having “outstanding universal value.” If accepted, it would become India’s 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site, joining iconic locations such as the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
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Local activist Gajanan Kharat, a vocal advocate for the lake’s preservation, acknowledged that some senior bureaucrats are supporting the UNESCO bid but emphasized that much work remains. "Despite local calls for action, the government has not yet installed signboards along key highways or the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway. We have been urging their placement to attract more visitors," Kharat said.
He further suggested that the government should promote investment in the hospitality sector to enhance the tourism experience. "Improved services would attract more visitors and create jobs for the local community," he added.
Collector Patil also noted the need for significant upgrades in Buldhana’s residential area, including basic infrastructure like a proper bus stand. "Progress is being made through regular review meetings," he said.
The region also boasts another attraction, the Daitya Sudan Temple, known for its intricate stonework and artistic design. "Some encroachments around the temple have been cleared, and we are working on widening the access road to ensure smoother traffic flow," Patil said.
Lonar Lake, the world's largest basaltic impact crater, was formed about 50,000 years ago following a meteor strike. Its saline-alkaline waters and surrounding ecosystem have been the subject of extensive research by organizations such as the Smithsonian, the United States Geological Survey, and the Geological Society of India.
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In the report prepared for UNESCO, the lake's scientific and cultural significance have been highlighted including its 15 ancient temples. Some of these temples showcase the rich cultural heritage with the lake's geological features. The crater has a diameter of over 1.8 kilometre and a depth of 150 meters.
In 2023, over 426,000 domestic tourists, 72 international visitors, and five researchers visited the site. In response to the growing influx, authorities have banned bathing in the lake and restricted construction activities nearby.
Lonar Lake, which is a designated wildlife sanctuary, was declared a Ramsar site — a wetland of international importance — a few years back.
Amravati Divisional Commissioner Nidhi Pandey recently convened a meeting with various departmental officials at Lonar to discuss the proposal. “This proposal will soon be presented, marking a significant step toward achieving recognition,” Pandey told PTI.
Buldhana District Collector Kiran Patil mentioned that the proposal is nearing completion. “We will submit it once it is refined. Unlike other UNESCO sites, Lonar Lake is unique as it combines several categories. It is a geological and scientific marvel, formed by a meteor impact,” Patil explained.
The Lonar Lake crater has numerous temples, some of which are over 1,200 years old. The proposal emphasises the lake's geological significance and stresses the need for immediate conservation efforts. “We are cataloging biodiversity, compiling data on the temples, and documenting rare discoveries from excavations and studies on the meteor impact,” Patil added.
Once submitted to the ASI, the proposal will undergo a thorough review before being forwarded to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). A UNESCO designation would recognize Lonar Lake, which spans 113 hectares, as having “outstanding universal value.” If accepted, it would become India’s 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site, joining iconic locations such as the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
Also read | Winter drive tips: How to prepare before heading to hills for a drive in snow
Local activist Gajanan Kharat, a vocal advocate for the lake’s preservation, acknowledged that some senior bureaucrats are supporting the UNESCO bid but emphasized that much work remains. "Despite local calls for action, the government has not yet installed signboards along key highways or the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway. We have been urging their placement to attract more visitors," Kharat said.
He further suggested that the government should promote investment in the hospitality sector to enhance the tourism experience. "Improved services would attract more visitors and create jobs for the local community," he added.
Collector Patil also noted the need for significant upgrades in Buldhana’s residential area, including basic infrastructure like a proper bus stand. "Progress is being made through regular review meetings," he said.
The region also boasts another attraction, the Daitya Sudan Temple, known for its intricate stonework and artistic design. "Some encroachments around the temple have been cleared, and we are working on widening the access road to ensure smoother traffic flow," Patil said.
Lonar Lake, the world's largest basaltic impact crater, was formed about 50,000 years ago following a meteor strike. Its saline-alkaline waters and surrounding ecosystem have been the subject of extensive research by organizations such as the Smithsonian, the United States Geological Survey, and the Geological Society of India.
Also read | 10 countries that offer e-visa for Indian travellers; check in how many days you can get a visa
In the report prepared for UNESCO, the lake's scientific and cultural significance have been highlighted including its 15 ancient temples. Some of these temples showcase the rich cultural heritage with the lake's geological features. The crater has a diameter of over 1.8 kilometre and a depth of 150 meters.
In 2023, over 426,000 domestic tourists, 72 international visitors, and five researchers visited the site. In response to the growing influx, authorities have banned bathing in the lake and restricted construction activities nearby.
Lonar Lake, which is a designated wildlife sanctuary, was declared a Ramsar site — a wetland of international importance — a few years back.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
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