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Naini Lake Faces Record-Low Water Levels in 2024

Why in the News ?

Naini Lake in Nainital, Uttarakhand, has recorded its lowest water level in five years due to declining rainfall, reduced snowfall, encroachments, pollution, and unplanned construction, raising concerns about water scarcity and the lake’s ecological health.

Current Situation and Causes of Declining Water Levels:

• Naini Lake, a key attraction in Nainital, Uttarakhand, has recorded a water level of 4.7 feet, marking a five-year low.
• The decrease in water levels is attributed to reduced snowfall and rainfall in the winter months of 2024.
• Climate change, unplanned construction, encroachment, and degradation of recharge zones have exacerbated the lake’s condition.
• Increased urbanization, commercial activities, and tourism have led to pollution and siltation, impacting the lake’s health.

Environmental Concerns and Challenges

• Illegal construction and encroachments have reduced the catchment area, blocking natural water flow.
• The discharge of untreated sewage, inadequate waste management, and a failing sewer system are causing pollution in the lake.
• Rapid urbanization has led to the concretization of recharge zones, hindering rainwater infiltration.
• The Uttarakhand Irrigation Department extracts 10 million liters of water daily from the lake, straining its capacity.
• The lake bed has been overbuilt, reducing its water retention capability.

Conservation Efforts and Future Steps

• Multiple petitions have been filed since 1993 to protect Naini Lake, highlighting concerns about over-extraction and mismanagement.
• The Uttarakhand High Court suspended construction activities around the lake in 2022.
• Experts stress the importance of an ecosystem-based approach for rejuvenation, prioritizing natural water recharge and restoring catchment areas.
• Regulated tourism, improved waste management, and conservation plans are necessary to restore the lake’s health and ensure sustainability.