The Maharashtra government is set to submit a proposal to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for the inclusion of Lonar Lake in Buldhana district on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
The move is aimed at enhancing the site's global tourism appeal and promoting its conservation.
Amravati Divisional Commissioner Nidhi Pandey recently convened a meeting with officials from various departments at Lonar to discuss the proposal.
"This proposal will soon be presented, marking a significant step towards achieving recognition," Pandey said.
Buldhana District Collector Kiran Patil confirmed that the proposal is in its final stage, with only final touches left before submission.
"We will submit it once it is polished. Unlike other UNESCO sites, Lonar Lake presents a unique mix of several categories. It is a geographical and scientific wonder, formed from a meteor impact,” he said.
The lake, situated approximately 460 km from Mumbai, is home to several ancient temples, some of which date back more than 1,200 years. The proposal highlights the lake’s geological significance and the urgent need for preservation efforts.
“We are cataloguing biodiversity, gathering data about the temples, and documenting rare findings from excavations and research on the meteor impact conducted by various scientists,” Patil added.
After being reviewed by the ASI, the proposal will be forwarded to UNESCO for a detailed examination. If accepted, Lonar Lake would become India's 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site, joining iconic locations such as the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, the Elephanta Caves, and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
Local activist Gajanan Kharat, who advocates for the lake's conservation, pointed out that while some senior bureaucrats are eager to support the UNESCO recognition, much work remains.
"Despite local appeals, the government has yet to install signboards along national highways or the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway. We have been urging their installation on these roads to attract more visitors,” Kharat said.
He also emphasised the need for greater investment in the hospitality sector to improve the tourist experience. "Improved services would draw more visitors, creating job opportunities for locals," he added.
Collector Patil acknowledged that the old residential area in Buldhana requires significant upgrades, including basic infrastructure like a proper bus stand.
"Steady progress has been made in these areas over the past few years through review meetings," he said.
Patil also mentioned the ‘Daitya Sudan’ temple in Buldhana, which attracts tourists visiting Lonar Lake.
"Some encroachments around the temple have already been cleared, and we are working on repairing and widening the access road for smoother vehicle movement," he added.
Lonar Lake, the world’s largest basaltic impact crater, was formed roughly 50,000 years ago by a meteor strike.
Its saline-alkaline waters and surrounding ecosystem have drawn attention from prestigious research institutions, including the Smithsonian and the Geological Society of India.
A government report included in the UNESCO submission notes that the area is home to 15 ancient temples, some over 1,200 years old, blending rich cultural history with its scientific significance.
The crater itself has a diameter of over 1.8 kilometres and a depth of 150 metres.
Ecological and archaeological preservation of the lake has become increasingly urgent, as rising water levels have submerged five temples within the crater.
To ensure its protection, the Bombay High Court’s Nagpur Bench has formed a committee to oversee the lake’s development.
According to official data, the lake attracted over 426,000 domestic visitors, 72 international tourists, and five researchers in the past year.
In response to this influx, authorities have imposed a ban on bathing in the lake and restricted construction activities in the surrounding area.
Lonar Lake, also a designated wildlife sanctuary, was declared a Ramsar site, recognising it as a wetland of international importance.
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