Naini Lake Reaches Critical Water Level: Concerns Over Scarcity and Conservation
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Nainital, Uttarakhand |
| Current Water Level | 4.7 feet, lowest in five years |
| Zero Level | Water level below normal gauge level (12 feet), not complete drying |
| Drinking Water Concerns | Potential drinking water scarcity if level drops below zero |
| Water Extraction | Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan extracts 10 million liters daily |
| Factors for Decline | Reduced snowfall and rainfall, long-term maintenance issues |
| Historical Significance | Discovered by P. Barron in the mid-19th century |
| Population Impact | Increased tourism, population growth, and commercial activities |
| Human-Induced Degradation | Unplanned construction, encroachments, degradation of recharge zones |
| Pollution Sources | Untreated wastewater, solid waste disposal, inadequate sewer systems |
| Climate Impact | Annual mean temperature increased by 1.5°C (1970-2022), decline in rainfall and snowfall |
| Rejuvenation Efforts | Supreme Court ruling (1993) banned commercial complexes, PILs for Sukhatal Lake revamp |