Nestled within the Lonar Crater, it is a unique extraterrestrial impact site within Maharashtra’s Deccan Traps
Origin
Dating back possibly 570,000 years, Lonar Crater's age has sparked debate, but was definitely formed by a comet or asteroid impact at 90,000 km per hour
Recent studies
Argon-argon dating suggests its age and dimensions of 1.8 km in diameter and 1.2 km in depth
Ecosystem
The Lake's ecosystem flourishes with a sweet-water well and streams feeding its waters, with biodiversity including 160 bird species, 46 reptiles, and 12 mammals
Recognition
Designated a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2015, it houses fauna like flamingos, grebes, black-winged stilts, shelducks, teals, red-wattled lapwings, parakeets, and even monitor lizards
Temple Heritage
Daityasudana Temple of Lord Vishnu killing Asura Lonasura, and other temples like Kamalaja Devi, Gomukha, Shankara Ganesha, and Motha Maruti Temples
Ecological Threats
Pesticide and fertilizer runoff from nearby agriculture, tourist pollution during Kamala Devi festival, and littering harm its ecosystem & water levels
Conservation
The pristine Lonar Lake, a natural wonder with historical significance, needs concerted efforts to preserve its unique ecosystem, heritage and sustainability