Rising Waters at Lonar Lake Trigger Court-Monitored Intervention The Bombay High Court’s Nagpur bench has initiated a court-monitored intervention to address the rising water levels at Lonar Lake, a crater lake in Maharashtra known for its unique geological significance. The court, taking suo motu cognisance of media reports, directed the formation of a multi-member committee to investigate the issue and recommend urgent measures. The decision comes amid concerns over the lake’s ecological and heritage preservation, as well as administrative lapses in managing the crisis. Lonar Lake, a globally recognized geological formation, has experienced a steady rise in water levels since the last monsoon season. The surge, attributed to inflows from multiple springs and at least four identified sources, has led to the submergence of nearby temples and raised alarms about the impact on the region’s cultural and environmental heritage. Despite prior notices to state departments, the court found no satisfactory action plan had been implemented, prompting the establishment of the committee. The committee, chaired ex officio by the Amravati divisional commissioner and with the Buldhana collector as member secretary, includes experts from diverse fields. Members include a civil engineering professor from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, a senior official from the Central Ground Water Board, the CEO of Buldhana Municipal Council, advocate Anand Parchure, and the local deputy conservator of forests. The panel is tasked with conducting an immediate site visit, submitting a detailed report, and proposing remedial steps within 15 days. The matter will be revisited on May 6 for further proceedings.#bombay_high_court #lonar_lake #visvesvaraya_national_institute_of_technology #central_ground_water_board #buldhana_municipal_council
