Overview
- Forest Minister Ganesh Naik told the Assembly the government will urgently approach the wildlife department for permission, with the divisional commissioner and district collector joining the approval talks.
- Heavy rainfall reportedly activated natural springs that lifted the crater lake by about 20–25 feet, cutting off access for devotees to lakeside shrines.
- At least six temples are underwater, including Gaymukh, Ramgaya, Paphreshwar and Kamla Ja Devi, according to MLA Siddharth Kharat.
- Although ₹41 lakh was sanctioned to start pumping, work has not begun due to coordination gaps between the wildlife and archaeology departments.
- Authorities say the lake’s water has turned pink and is saline, and note a ₹434 crore development outlay for the area with ₹168 crore spent, as calls grow to add elected representatives to the conservation committee.