The water level in Maharashtra's Lonar lake has risen by four metres since 2022, endangering its unique alkaline ecology and submerging ancient temples. This development prompted the Bombay High Court to take suo motu notice in late January. Experts attribute the rise to human-made water structures and heavy monsoons.
Maharashtra’s Lonar lake, a saline and highly alkaline body of water within a 1.88 km-diameter meteorite crater in Buldhana district, faces significant threats from rising water levels. Formed by an ancient impact—estimated between 12,000 years and 5.7 lakh years old—this site is the world’s largest basaltic impact crater, a national geo-heritage monument, and a Ramsar wetland. Its pH of around 10 supports only extremophile species, creating a distinctive ecosystem.
The water level has increased by about four metres since 2022, with a sharp rise following the 2025 monsoon, which brought over 100 mm of rain in three hours. This has partially submerged the Kamalja Devi Temple two metres underwater and affected nine of the 15 Archaeological Survey of India-protected temples at the site, as noted in a Bombay High Court order from late January.
Geologist Ashok Tejankar, who inspected the area in January, explained the causes: “From the last 10 to 15 years, on the surface people have constructed a number of water management structures like borewells, dugwells, and percolation dams. The borewells are dug 600-700 feet deep and these have led to recharge of lower aquifers along with the dams. The water then flows underground from the lower aquifers to the lake, increasing its water levels.” The 2025 rains exposed stream bedrock, boosting aquifer recharge further. Tejankar criticized authorities for ignoring the issue until temple submersion forced action: “Why has the government now taken action or why is there different news? It is there because the temple is now submerged.”
The lake, fed by streams but lacking an outlet, loses water only through evaporation. Assistant Conservator of Forests Chetan Rathod confirmed the four-metre rise. Superintending Archaeologist Arun Malik stated the ASI plans a temporary gabion wall to protect the Kamalja temple. Tejankar suggested diverting spring water or lifting lake water short-term, and a long-term geo-hydrological survey to seal recharge zones. However, as part of Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary, diversions require state permissions under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.