In News:

Naini Lake record-low water levels in 2025.

Geographical and Environmental Significance

• Location: Heart of Nainital, Uttarakhand.
• Type: Natural, kidney-shaped freshwater lake.
• Surroundings: Enclosed by seven hills.
• Deepest Point: 89 feet.
• Gauge Level: 12 feet (normal level).
• Water Level (2025): 4.7 feet – lowest in 5 years, nearing “zero level”.
• Zero Level Meaning: Water level below normal gauge, not fully dry.

Ecological & Civic Importance

• Water Source: Supplies 10 million litres/day of drinking water.
• 2024 Dependence: Met 76% of Nainital’s water demand.
• Aquifer Recharge:Sukhatal Lake is a major recharge zone.

Factors Behind Depletion

1. Climate Variability

• Rising Temperatures: +1.5°C rise in Uttarakhand (1970–2022).
• Rainfall Data:
  • 2022: 2400 mm (good year).
  • 2024: Dropped to 2000 mm.
• Winter Rainfall (Jan–Mar 2025): 107 mm.
• Snowfall Days:
  • 2022: Four.
  • 2025: None.

2. Anthropogenic Pressures

• Urbanisation& Encroachment:
  • Concrete construction → low rainwater infiltration.
  • Encroachments on wetlands and recharge zones.
• Pollution Issues:
  • Untreated wastewater discharge.
  • Improper solid waste disposal.
  • Overflowing sewage into stormwater drains.
• Tourism & Homestays:
  • High tourist influx.
  • Rise in homestays; ~1 in 3 houses converted.

Institutional & Governance Challenges

• Overlapping Jurisdictions:
  • Inadequate coordination among agencies.
• Aging Infrastructure:
  • Old water distribution system, unable to meet demand.
• Reports Highlighting Issues:
  • USCST 2017:Naini Lake most manipulated among Kumaon lakes.
  • 2024 Research (CEDAR): Faulty water governance exacerbating stress.

Legal and Civic Interventions

• SC Intervention (1993): Ban on commercial complex projects.
• Uttarakhand HC (2022): Stay on Sukhatal beautification project.
• Petitions Filed: Alleging degradation due to construction on recharge areas.

Way Forward

• Ecosystem-Based Approach: Recognize catchment area, slope vulnerability, and recharge zones.
• Rejuvenation Focus:Prioritisenatural hydrological restoration over tourism promotion.
• Sustainable Urban Planning: Regulation of construction, homestays, and infrastructure development.