Spreading and growing rapidly, an invasive algae is posing a serious threat to Lonar Crater Lake — believed to be the third biggest crater in the world formed due to meteoritic impact several decades ago in Buldana district, Maharashtra. It is a notified National Geo-heritage Monument.
Scientists including a well-known meteorologist from Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have called for urgent intervention of the government to stem degradation of the crater which is still being visited by the international scientific community for studying geology. However, over the years, increasing human activities and unregulated farming around the lake coupled with the ignorance by the authorities are taking toll on this eco-fragile site surrounded with rich flora and fauna.
SK Satheesh, professor at the reputed Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences of the IISc noted that it is a unique site full of microbial life of rare types of bacteria and algae among others. It is now becoming home to the invasive algae with its water level going down, he said.
Satheesh who also holds the chair of the Divecha Centre for Climate Change, a centre undertaking research on climate variability, climate change at the IISC further noted that “the lake surface is shrinking without any noticeable change in the region’s rainfall levels. The reasons behind this worrying event have been attributed to various factors, including the drying up of local percolation dams, the closure of streams that feed the lake, and borewells situated in the vicinity of the lake.”
In a recent editorial in Current Science, the meteorologist added, “….., the water quality of Lonar Lake has also undergone severe degradation. The lake’s salinity and pH levels have been steadily declining due to rampant sewage dumping, while the use of pesticides and fertilizers in farmland near the lake serves as another source of pollution. “The subsequent increase in levels of nitrogen and phosphorus has triggered the growth of invasive algae species, which is a matter of great concern,” added Satheesh citing various reports.
These findings warrant immediate attention and action to ensure the preservation of Lonar Lake and its ecosystem, he said while noting that recent investigations by the Centre for Citizen Science in Pune too have revealed that the lake’s perimeter has shifted inward by 100 metres within three years, he said.
This group has been studying the lake since 2003 in collaboration with researchers from the IMD, the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, and the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, said Satheesh. Scientists Tandale MR from Department of Zoology, Shri Vyankatesh Arts, Commerce and Science College, Maharashtra and DS Talwankar, Principal, G S Commerce, Arts and Science College, Khamgaon, Maharashtra too have raised similar concerns about the degradation of the lake due to rapid multiplication of the invasive algae.
“Due to excessive development of the algae causes algal blooms on the water surface, this prevent light from penetration hence the other microorganisms cannot survive after all they settle down at bottom, they said in the study ‘Lonar Crater: A case Study’ published in journal Acta Scientific Microbiology.
