The Maharashtra government plans to submit a proposal to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to include the famous Lonar Lake in Buldhana district in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, officials have said.The move aims to elevate the site as a global hub for tourism and research, besides boosting its conservation, they said.After reaching ASI, the proposal will undergo a detailed review before being submitted to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.A UNESCO tag will ensure that the lake, spread over 113 hectares, has “outstanding universal value”.If accepted, Lonar Lake will become India’s 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside iconic places like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Local activist Gajanan Kharat, who advocates for the lake’s conservation, said a few senior bureaucrats are keen on supporting the UNESCO recognition for the impact crater. However, a lot is to be done.
