Lonar Lake in Maharashtra to be developed as a tourist spot; govt approves INR 370 cr

Lonar Lake in Maharashtra is one of the very important natural wonders of India that was created over 50,000 years ago! However, the lake is not as popular as it should be among tourists till date. In a bid to bring it on tourist radar, the Maharashtra government has approved a INR 370-crore development and conservation project.

The officials said that the money will be spent on the preservation and conservation of the Lonar crater that was created by a meteorite collision during the Pleistocene Epoch. The money will also go towards maintaining forests and wildlife there to protect its unique biodiversity. The new and improved tourism facilities will be offered. The region also features an old temple which will be renovated under the scheme. The officials also said that a footpath will be created around Lonar Lake for the convenience of tourists and trekkers, and rehabilitation of encroachers in the region. Back in 2021, former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had been to Lonar Lake. He then approved a development plan of INR 200 crore, which is now increased to INR 370 crore. The present Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved the project recently.
For those who don’t know, Lonar Lake is a National Geo-heritage Monument. This oval-shaped saline lake is also one of only four known craters in basaltic rock on Earth. The lake received major global attention after its water turned pink due to some biological reasons.

1. Why the color of Lonar lake turned pink?
   The lake turned pink due to 'Haloarchaea' microbes.
2. Where is Lonar Lake situated?
   The lake is situated in Buldhana district of Maharashtra.
3. How old is Lonar crater?
   Lonar Lake is over 52,000 years old.