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
India Launches 75-Day Countdown to International Day of Yoga 2026 with Mass Yoga Event in Lonar Nagpur: The 75-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 began with a historic mass yoga event in Lonar, where nearly 5,000 participants performed Trikonasana in unison, setting a new record and earning a place in the Asia Book of Records. The event, organized by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Ministry of Ayush, took place at Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj Udyan in Buldhana district. Participants gathered at dawn to execute the common yoga protocol, symbolizing the collective spirit of yoga. Union minister of state for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, highlighted the significance of the event, stating that it reflected the essence of collective participation central to yoga. He emphasized that Lonar’s unique geological landscape, characterized by its saltwater lake and surrounding terrain, symbolized a growing global focus on holistic health and harmony. Jadhav noted that yoga continues to play a vital role in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and emotional balance. Monalisa Dash, joint secretary in the Ministry of Ayush, described yoga as one of India’s most valuable contributions to the world. She underscored its role in fostering harmony between mind, body, and spirit, while also acknowledging its expanding influence as a global health movement. The session was led by MDNIY director Kashinath Samagandi, who guided participants through demonstrations of Yogasana, Pranayama, and Dhyana. The event also showcased several initiatives aimed at integrating yoga into modern health practices.#india #lonar_lake #morarji_desai_national_institute_of_yoga #prataprao_jadhav #ministry_of_ayush
HC moots panel to study rising Lonar water level The Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court has proposed the formation of a committee to investigate the rising water levels at Lonar Lake, a crater formed by a meteorite impact in Buldhana district. The court directed the amicus curiae, Mohit Khajanchi, who is handling a suo moto public interest litigation (PIL) on the matter, to recommend names of experts for the committee. The high court requested the amicus curiae to submit the proposed members during the next hearing scheduled for April 7, without waiting for responses from government departments that had been served with notices. Since September 2025, the water level at Lonar Lake has risen by 15 to 20 feet, submerging several ancient Shiva temples and the Kamalja Devi Temple located along the lake’s banks. Conservationists have raised concerns that delays in identifying the root cause of the rising water levels could threaten the lake’s unique biodiversity and its geological significance. The committee’s task will involve analyzing the phenomenon and proposing solutions to address the issue. The high court’s initiative underscores the urgency of understanding the environmental and ecological implications of the rising water levels. The lake, a site of both cultural and scientific importance, has drawn attention due to its unusual formation and the potential risks posed by the changing water levels. The proposed committee aims to bring together experts in geology, hydrology, and environmental science to conduct a thorough assessment. The court’s decision to act swiftly highlights the growing concern over natural phenomena that may have long-term impacts on ecosystems and heritage sites.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #lonar_lake #mohit_khajanchi #buldhana_district
