Water crisis in Nainital: Naini lake water level ever low in five years

Internationally renowned city of lakes , Nainital is facing the crisis caused by water shortage even before the upcoming tourist season. The biggest problem has arisen for the same Naini lake due to which this city is named Nainital and which is one of the important attractions of entire Uttarakhand.

The water level of Naini lake has decreased to 4.5 feet in March, which is 2 inches less than last year. The main reason for the decrease in water level in Naini lake, which is dependent on natural water sources, is the decrease in rainfall and snowfall in the area.

Due to the increasing population in Nainital and the number of tourists increasing year after year, water consumption is also increasing. Naini lake is the only source of water supply for domestic and to hotels etc. in Nainital. It will be difficult to keep the water supply running smoothly if the situation does not improve.

Water in Naini lake, which is dependent on rain, comes from  drains and underground springs flowing from high altitudes. As a result of the pressure of ever-increasing urbanization,  deforestation , construction work like buildings and roads etc. and excessive use of concrete affect the process and capacity of recharging of water sources, which is also being seen in the case of Nainital.

By the way, the water level of Naini lake has been fluctuating in the past. Six years ago, i.e. during the Covid pandemic period, Naini’s water level was 6 feet 10 inches in 2020, it decreased to 4 feet 4 inches in 2021.  In 2022 the water of Naini lake increased and reached 7 feet 9 inches. But since then the graph of the water level suddenly came down, which remained between 4’8″ to 4’7″.  This time it decreased by two inches more as compared to last year. On March 22, the water level of Naini lake reached the lower graph of 4 feet 5 inches.

The Irrigation Department says that if this situation does not improve till April 15 then the water supply to the city will be affected. This supply will then be controlled and limited to 8 MLD (million liters per day). However , it is expected that the water level in Naini lake will increase by April.

As the heat sets  in the plains in April, tourists turn towards the hilly areas of Uttarakhand. In Nainital, May and June are the peak season for tourism. Hence water demand increases suddenly