The Doon Mozaic, Swachh Bharat and Dilemma of Dehradun Swacch Bharat and Dilemma of Dehradun | Page 9

Drying and Dying Lakes of Nainital
Column
By Niitin Chandola
Naini Lake has been witnessing the effect of global warming from past ten
years in the 21st century. A drastic commutation of tourist in Nainital region
has led the lake to a state of misery. The fall in water level of the lake to 4 me-
ters in Mallital become the matter of concern in 2017’s summer. The water
which used to touch Naina Devi temple’s lower foundations till 2012 has now
left its own territory and is shrinking to its utmost depth. Naini Lake is the only
fresh water lake in entire Kumaon formed by tectonic behaviours on the Earth
surface. Surrounded by the scenic inner Himalayan ranges moreover Naini Lake
is the only hope for the natives as the source of drinking water.
The extensive survey of lake’s present condition is considerably degraded. In-
creased use of plastic in the nearby region of the lake has caused choking of
lake’s aquatic life. Lack of proper solid disposal management in both Mallital
and Tallital has led to a formation of open dump yards in outskirts of the town.
These dump yards often faces the methodology of burning for disposing of the
wastage. Swacha Bharat Abhiyan has still no impression on this town as far as
the establishment of segregated underground dustbins is concerned. Some con-
cerns are also related to lack of civic sense of the tourists who visit the town for
their recreational purposes. Lack of strictness by the government in maintaining