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
