Neeri flags rising waters at Lonar lake, dam backflow under scrutiny

Nagpur: A possible link between rising water levels in Lonar lake and backwater effects from Yeldari dam has come under scientific scrutiny, with National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (Neeri) warning that newly formed water sources in region could be altering the lake's delicate balance.

Presenting its assessment before a court-appointed committee, Neeri noted the dam, located 36km from Lonar, may have contributed to the emergence of additional water sources, potentially increasing freshwater inflow into the crater lake. The institute emphasized "a detailed study is necessary" to establish the extent of this impact.

The reasons for the increase in water level and remedies to be taken up for arresting the inflow, as discussed in the meeting, were placed before the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Wednesday. The concern follows a sustained rise in the lake's water level since last monsoon, with continuous inflow observed from multiple springs and four primary sources. The swelling waters have already submerged several temples in the vicinity.

Additional stakeholders also placed their views on record, while the court expanded scope of the case by including Akola divisional forest officer and Central Ground Water Board as respondents. Mohit Khajanchi assisted court as amicus curiae, while Ravi Sanyal represented the pollution control board, Deepak Thakre appeared for the state, and deputy solicitor general Kartik Shukul represented the groundwater authority.

Separately, VNIT's civil engineering department has recommended baseline surveys and installation of piezometers. Court has scheduled the next hearing on June 18.