Nainital, a city that attracts tourists from all over the world, got its name from the Naini Lake. But, this identity of Nainital is under constant threat. The natural water bodies, wetlands that carry water to the lake, are drying up or have been subject to encroachment. At the same time, the drains built in the catchment area are either over or are littered with debris. In such a situation, to save the existence of water life of Nainital, it has become necessary to save these water sources.
Surrounded by hills on three sides, Naini Lake is in constant trouble for the last few decades. Uncontrolled-unplanned construction and increasing pressure of population on the hills have either destroyed or on the verge of destroying those water bodies which used to supply water to Nainijheel.
During the British period, Nainijheel used to get rainwater, underground water from Sukhatal, 22 wetlands located at different places in the city and a network of 39 km long 62 drains built on the hills. When it rains, the water that accumulates in the catchment area reaches the lake through them. But, over time, these catchment areas got encroached upon.
Alam is that due to many constructions in Sukhatal, the water sources here have dried up. Seven wetlands are being used for parking and other purposes today after being filled with soil. At the same time, three big drains built on the hills have been completely destroyed. Most of the remaining 59 drains are also covered with debris or have broken. In such a situation, Nainijheel is now more dependent on rain for water.
Water supply pressure is also a challenge
Drinking water supply for Nainital city is also done from Nainital. During the British period, this supply was up to two MLD, which has now become eight MLD per day for a population of 50 thousand. At the same time, this quantity reaches 10 to 11 MLD every day when the influx of tourists increases during the weekend and tourist season.
5 feet less water than maximum level
The depth of the lake was about 28 meters during the British period, which was reduced to 19 meters a few years ago. At present the maximum water level in the lake reaches only 12 feet during the rainy season. On Monday, the water level of the lake was seven feet six and a half inches i.e. about five feet below the maximum level.
Four years ago the lake was on the verge of drying up
About four years ago, the existence of Nainijheel had reached the verge of extinction. Due to the construction of Sukha Taal, from where the seepage water was the source of about 50 per cent water supply in the lake, the water supply was stopped. Seeing the plight of the lake, the government woke up and efforts were started in this direction.
Debris was removed from the lake through dredging. After this, the exercise of recharging the drywall again started. The drains built on the hills have now been transferred from the Public Works Department to the Irrigation Department. After this, the work of repair of drains and removal of debris has also been done. Despite this, these efforts appear to be insufficient for the time being.
Bhimtal lake filled with rain
Bhimtal. Bhimtal lake gets its water mainly from underground water sources. Apart from this, rain water is also helpful in maintaining the nature of the lake. This time the effect of good rain and hailstorm is visible on the water level of the lake.
The storage capacity of the lake is 44 feet, the water level on Monday stood at 43.3 feet. The water supply of the city is not directly from the lake. Water reaches the city through bore wells, through which a population of about 18 thousand gets three MLD water supply. A natural watercourse near the cold road has dried up in recent years, but this has no effect on the lake’s waters.