Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik informed the state Assembly about the urgent plan to request permission from the Union Wildlife department to drain water from Lonar lake in Buldhana district. The rising water levels have submerged multiple temples, hindering devotees’ access. The lake, a Ramsar site and National Geo-heritage, has turned pink and saline, with the government closely monitoring the situation.
A meeting is scheduled to take place on Friday to secure the necessary approval from the Union Wildlife department, as stated by Minister Naik in response to a motion raised by Shiv Sena-UBT member Siddharth Kharat. Despite the allocation of Rs 41 lakh for water pumping, the operation has been halted due to coordination issues between wildlife and archaeology departments. Consequently, temples like Gaymukh, Ramgaya, Paphreshwar, and Kamlaja Devi Temple have been submerged.
Minister Naik highlighted that heavy rainfall this year led to the emergence of natural springs around the crater lake, causing Lonar’s water level to surge by 20 to 25 feet. This rise has obstructed devotees’ access to nearby temples. The government sources report a significant increase in Lonar Lake’s water level since 2022–2025, attributed to heavy rainfall, heightened underground spring activity, and agricultural runoff, endangering the unique ecosystem and partially submerging historic temples.
Discussions are set to occur with officials, including the Divisional Commissioner and District Collector, to expedite approval from the Union Wildlife department for prompt water drainage. Minister Naik also disclosed that Rs 434 crore has been earmarked for development projects in the area, with Rs 168 crore already utilized. During the deliberation, Kharat raised concerns about the lack of elected representatives in the Lonar Lake conservation committee.
