NAINI LAKE: ENVIRONMENT
NEWS: Why Naini Lake is seeing record-low water levels this year
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Naini Lake in Nainital is facing a crisis with record-low water levels, primarily due to climate change, pollution, and man-made encroachments. Despite petitions for restoration, no concrete steps have been taken to address the lake's deteriorating health and safeguard the city's water supply.
Naini Lake Overview
• Location: Naini Lake is a natural, kidney-shaped lake situated in the heart of Nainital, Uttarakhand, surrounded by seven hills.
• Key Attraction: It is one of Nainital’s major tourist attractions, playing a crucial role in the city’s tourism and water supply.
Naini Lake Crisis
• Water Level Depletion: In 2025, Naini Lake recorded a water level of 4.7 feet, marking a five-year low, raising concerns about the lake’s future health and sustainability.
• Zero Level Concern: There are fears that the water level could drop below the normal gauge level, although this does not mean the lake will dry up entirely.
• Gauge Level: The normal gauge level for the lake is set at 12 feet, and the deepest point is 89 feet.
• Drinking Water Scarcity: Naini Lake is the primary source of drinking water for Nainital, with 10 million litres extracted daily. In 2024, over 75% of the city's water demand was met by the lake.
Reasons for the Deteriorating Health of Naini Lake
• Climate Change Impact:
• There has been a noticeable decrease in snowfall and rainfall during winter months, exacerbated by the rising temperatures in Uttarakhand. Between 1970 and 2022, annual mean temperatures have increased by nearly 1.5°C, affecting local rainfall and snowfall patterns.
• The warming trend has negatively impacted the lake’s recharge rate.
• Man-made Impact:
• Degradation of Recharge Zones: Human activities have caused the degradation of the lake’s natural recharge zones, which are vital for maintaining its water levels.
• Encroachments and Illegal Construction: Unauthorized construction near the lake has led to a reduction in the catchment area, hindering rainwater absorption.
• Concrete Construction: The increase in concrete structures near the lake has reduced the infiltration of rainwater, making it difficult for the lake to replenish naturally.
• Siltation: The excessive buildup of silt in Sukhatal Lake, which is a major aquifer recharge area for Naini Lake, is shrinking the lake’s size (from its original two-hectare area).
• Pollution:
• The discharge of untreated wastewater, solid waste, and inadequate sewage systems have been polluting Naini Lake. These contaminants eventually flow into the lake, further harming its water quality.
• Population and Tourism Pressure:
• The increasing population of Nainital, along with the rise in tourist activity, has placed additional strain on the lake’s resources. Commercialization of areas around the lake has also contributed to its deteriorating condition.
Legal and Administrative Actions
• Petitions for Action: Several petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court and state High Court, calling for immediate measures to stop the concretization of the lake bed, restore Sukhatal Lake, and ban the construction of commercial complexes in Nainital.
• Lack of Concrete Action: Despite these petitions, no significant steps have been taken to restore the health of Naini Lake and its aquifers, highlighting the challenges in addressing the lake’s long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
Naini Lake is facing a severe crisis due to a combination of natural factors and human activities, leading to a significant depletion in its water levels and quality. Urgent measures, including environmental restoration, stricter regulations on construction, and better waste management, are required to save the lake and secure the water supply for Nainital.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-naini-lake-is-seeing-record-low-water-levels-this-year-9916944/