Lonar Lake

It is also known as Lonar Crater and is located in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, India. It is located on the Deccan plateau. It is a saline and alkaline lake and is oval-shaped. It has been declared the 41st Ramsar site in the country and 2nd in Maharashtra. Ramsar sites are international wetlands designated under the Ramsar Convention, which was formed in Iran in 1971. The treaty aims to prevent the destruction of wetlands around the world. Ramsar status preserves endangered and endemic species, promotes development through national policies, gives financial assistance through the convention's small grant fund, and provides expert advice on site-specific challenges.

Approximately 52000 years ago, a meteorite collided with the earth’s surface with high velocity, and its impact resulted in the creation of a massive crater known as the Lonar Lake, which is around 1.8 kilometers in diameter and 150 meters in depth. This effect was so powerful that it quarried the underlying basalt rock layers and showed the essential sedimentary rock formation. Over time, these lakes filled with rainwater and formed an amazing lake.

Lonar Lake is a National Geo-Heritage Monument, a major geological feature that provides light on Earth's evolution & history. It is located within the Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is surrounded by vegetation with a deep green color making it a scenic and popular tourist destination. The site is of relevance to the scientific community as well. The lake has two distinct pH regions, one neutral and the other alkaline. Each region has its own flora and fauna, with 160 birds, 46 reptiles, and 12 mammal species.

• Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary: The Lonar sanctuary, controlled by Mehkar Forest Range and located in Aurangabad Wildlife Division, is 365.16 hectares in size and includes the 77.69 hectare Lonar lake. Wildlife safety is threatened by sewage from nearby communities, forest fires, expansion, poaching, and encroachment. Pilgrims' trash of the lake is a major worry, and the constant influx of toxins is causing eutrophication. On June 8, 2000, the Maharashtra government declared it a sanctuary.
• National Geo Heritage Monument: Geo-heritage refers to geological features that are naturally or culturally significant, provide useful insights into Earth's evolution, or contribute to Earth science education. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is the primary institution responsible for identifying and preserving geo-heritage sites and national geological monuments throughout the country.

• Due to absence of rain, reduced human interaction (during the lockdown), and high temperature causing water to evaporate, the salinity and pH of the water increased. This led to development of Halophilic microbes, mainly Haloarchaea.
• Halophilic microbes are a group of microorganisms that can develop and often flourish in areas with a great amount of salt. They produce a pink pigment.
• However, as the rain increased, water dilute and green algae is now blooming, reversing the pink colour.

Haloarchaea microbes are consumed by Flamingos. The bacteria provided carotenoid-rich food for the birds. By the pigments, Flamingos red-pink color comes, and that is found in the algae and invertebrates they eat.

• Lonar lake is bounded by the ancient temple, caves, and ruins, which provide important insight into the region's rich history.
• Some of the construction belongs to the chalcolithic period and others belongs to the medieval period.
• Lonar lake attracts archaeologists to study the unique geological features to understand the ancient site and environmental changes.
• Pilgrims and devotees travel to local temples to seek blessings and engage in religious events.

This lake has various kinds of medicinal and aromatic plants. Natural resources make it unique. This lake is well-known for tourist purposes, and also important habitat for many species of plants and animals.

• Trees: Acacia nilotica (babul), Ficus Glomerata (umbra), Terminaliaarjuna (Arjun), Tendu, Syzygiumcumini (jamun), Ficusbenghalensis (vad), Dolichandronefalcata (meshing)
• Shrubs: Lantana camara, Zizyphusmauritiana (ber), Carissa spinarum (Karanda)
• Herbs: Indigoferatinctoria (nila), Solanumxanthocarpum (Kaner), Leucasaspera (baval)
• Aquatic plants: Spirulinaplatensis, Arthrospiraplatensis, Dunaliellasalina

• Birds: Black-winged stilt, brahminy duck, grebe, shelduck, shoveler, teal, heron, red-wattled lapwing, roller, baya weaver, parakeet, hoopoe, lark, tailorbird, magpie, robin, swallow.
• Reptiles: Monitor lizards, snakes, and turtles.
• Mammals: Sloth bear, nilgai, wolf, chital, barking deer.

• Irrigation: The lake provides a vital water resource for agricultural activities, providing irrigation water for the surrounding farmlands.
• Fertile Soil: The soil of the surrounding area is fertile, which helps in agriculture.
• Fishing: They also contribute to fishing and offer a source of income and nutrition for the nearby community.

Lonar Lake is a unique and multifaceted wonder. It is a captivating example of how a celestial event can shape the Earth's landscape, leaving behind a valuable geological and ecological treasure. As a National Geo-Heritage Monument and Ramsar site, Lonar Lake holds significant scientific, cultural, and environmental importance. While facing challenges like pollution and habitat loss, conservation efforts are crucial to preserve this extraordinary ecosystem for generations to come. The lake's vibrant history, diverse flora and fauna, and captivating beauty make it a valuable asset for both the local community and the world.