Lonar Lake, the world’s largest basaltic impact crater formed by a meteor strike around 50,000 years ago, is known for its saline-alkaline waters and unique ecosystem that has drawn global scientific attention. Citing studies, Malik said the water level has been rising for the past five to six years, placing the ancient shrine structures at risk. “No doubt this is a matter of research, but the water level has increased after the reserved forest came up there. If you look at the earlier images of Lonar Lake on Google Earth, you will find the water level very low,” he said. “Experts from IIT Bombay have taken samples from Lonar lake.

Source: The Telegraph January 19, 2026 19:15 UTC