Is India’s Only Meteor Lake Slowly Dying? Rising Waters Threaten Lonar Lake and Ancient Temples

India’s only meteor impact lake, Lonar Lake, is facing a silent but serious environmental threat. Located in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, the ancient lake is witnessing an unprecedented rise in water levels due to freshwater inflow. This change is submerging centuries-old temples and disrupting the lake’s unique chemical and biological balance.

Why in News?

Lonar Lake has recorded a sharp rise in water levels over the past year, submerging several ancient temples and drastically altering its highly alkaline nature. Experts warn that unchecked freshwater inflow may permanently damage the lake’s rare ecosystem and cultural heritage.

What Makes Lonar Lake Unique?

• Lonar Lake was formed around 50,000 years ago after a meteor struck basaltic rock, making it the only known basaltic meteor crater lake in the world.
• Its water has traditionally been extremely alkaline, with a pH of about 11.5, creating conditions where fish could not survive.
• This rare chemistry supports specialised microbes and has often been studied as a terrestrial analogue for Mars, giving it global scientific importance.
• The lake is also recognised as a Ramsar wetland, underlining its ecological significance.

Rising Water Levels and Submerged Temples

• The most visible impact of the crisis is on Lonar’s ancient temples. Out of 15 heritage temples along the crater’s edge, nine are now partially or fully submerged.
• The idol of Kamalja Devi, the local village deity, is under serious threat as water levels continue to rise.
• Prolonged monsoon rainfall from May to October last year has worsened flooding, alarming both locals and conservationists.
• These temples, which have survived centuries of natural stability, are now at risk of permanent damage.

Human Activities Behind the Freshwater Influx

• According to hydrogeologist Ashok Tejankar, the lake level has risen by nearly 20 feet due to deep borewells drilled by farmers in the surrounding catchment.
• These borewells have punctured basalt layers beneath the surface, activating underground drainage channels.
• Historically, the lake received water from only two freshwater springs, but now four active springs are feeding it continuously.
• This artificial alteration of groundwater flow is the primary driver behind the lake’s swelling.

Dilution of Alkalinity and Ecological Shock

• The influx of freshwater is diluting Lonar Lake’s salts, reducing its pH from 11.5 to nearly 8.5, which is close to neutral.
• This chemical shift has already led to the appearance of fish for the first time in recorded history an alarming sign of ecological transformation.
• Scientists warn that this change could trigger a domino effect, threatening microbes, algae, and flora that evolved over thousands of years in extreme alkaline conditions.

Water Scarcity Paradox for Local Communities

• Ironically, while Lonar Lake overflows, nearby villages face severe water scarcity.
• Residents depend on limited municipal supply and water tankers. Many rely on the same borewells that are contributing to the lake’s flooding.
• This highlights poor groundwater management and the absence of an integrated water-use strategy in the region.

Proposed Solutions and Conservation Gaps

• Experts have suggested intercepting spring water at the bedrock level, purifying it, and supplying it to Lonar town.
• This could reduce lake levels while meeting local water needs.
• However, despite Ramsar recognition, Lonar lacks strong on-ground protection.
• Nearly 40% of the village lies on the crater’s ejecta blanket, with agriculture, roads, fertilisers, and pesticides encroaching on the site.
• Plans to acquire 86 hectares for conservation have stalled due to local resistance.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Lonar Lake is unique because it is the world’s only example of which feature?

A. Saltwater lake
B. Glacial lake
C. Basaltic meteor crater lake
D. Volcanic caldera lake