Water Crisis Looms Over Naini Lake
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 11)
| Topic: GS3 – Environment |
| Context |
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Analysis of the news:
Declining Water Levels and Concerns
- The decrease in winter snowfall and rainfall, coupled with long-term environmental degradation, has exacerbated the situation.
- While the lake’s deepest point is 89 feet, the gauge level stands at 12 feet, with daily water extraction for the city reaching 10 million liters.
Impact of Urbanization and Tourism
- The lake, which supplies over 76% of Nainital’s water, is under severe stress from population growth, increased tourist activity, and unregulated commercial expansion.
- Unplanned construction, encroachment, and the degradation of recharge zones have significantly reduced water infiltration, worsening the lake’s depletion.
- Sukhatal Lake, a critical aquifer recharge area, has been shrinking due to siltation and debris dumping.
Climate Change and Altered Weather Patterns
- Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns have further aggravated the crisis.
- Uttarakhand’s average temperature has increased by 1.5°C since 1970, impacting rainfall and snowfall.
- While 2022 saw 2400 mm of annual rainfall, this declined to 2000 mm in 2024.
- The absence of snowfall in early 2025, compared to four days in 2022, highlights the climate-induced changes affecting lake replenishment.
Conclusion
- Despite legal interventions since 1993, unchecked construction continues to threaten Naini Lake.
- Conservation efforts must adopt an ecosystem-based approach, emphasizing recharge zone protection and sustainable urban planning.
- Rather than focusing solely on tourism growth, priority should be given to preserving natural water sources and implementing strict environmental regulations.
| Practice Question: Discuss the factors contributing to the declining water levels of Naini Lake in Nainital. What measures can be taken to ensure its long-term conservation and sustainable water management? (150 Words /10 marks) |
