Scientists to examine the reason behind Maharashtra's pink Lonar Lake

A team of Indian scientists will visit the 50,000-year-old Lonar Lake in India's Maharashtra to collect the water samples to analyse why it has turned pink.  

The colour of the lake water has recently turned pink, which has not only surprised locals, but nature enthusiasts and scientists as well. A group of scientists from National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) of India will officially examine the area next week, reports NDTV.

The oval-shaped Lonar lake, formed after a meteorite hit the Earth around 50,000 years ago, is a popular tourist hub and also attracts scientists from across the world. The mean diameter of the lake is around 1.2 km.

Some experts have attributed it to the salinity and presence of algae in the water body. They have said that this is not the first time the colour change has happened, although it is more evident this time.

"Lonar lake comes under the jurisdiction of the forest department as it has been declared a sanctuary. The department has sent water samples to NEERI. Nonetheless, the institute will be sending a team of scientists to the site on June 15 to collect samples for analysis," said a local official.

"They will analyse the water to know the exact reason behind the change in its colour," she said.

Lonar crater lake was identified as a unique geographical site by a British officer named CJE Alexander in 1823.