Description

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Context

Naini Lake in Uttarakhand has recorded critically low water levels due to declining rainfall, climate change & encroachments posing severe risks to water security & ecological balance.

Key Highlights

Five Year Low Water Level Naini Lake water level has dropped to 4.7 feet lowest in five years sparking concerns over water availability.

Impact on Drinking Water The lake supplies 76% of Nainital drinking water & its depletion threatens city water security.

Climate Change Factor Rising temperatures & decreasing winter snowfall have accelerated lake water level decline.

Unregulated Urbanization Encroachments, unplanned construction & concrete structures around lake have reduced groundwater recharge capacity.

Pollution Issues Wastewater discharge, poor solid waste management & sewage overflow have degraded lake ecosystem.

Legal & Conservation Efforts Multiple legal petitions including Supreme Court & Uttarakhand High Court interventions have aimed at halting unchecked urban expansion but have had limited success.

Tourism vs Sustainability Increased tourism-related infrastructure is placing additional stress on lake affecting long term ecological balance.

Urgent Need for Conservation Experts emphasize restoring lake natural recharge zones & implementing an ecosystem based approach to rejuvenation.

Naini Lake

Aspect	Details
Geographical Location	Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
Latitude & Longitude	29.39°N, 79.46°E
Origin	Natural, tectonic depression
Type	Freshwater lake
Shape	Kidney-shaped
Surrounding Features	Bounded by seven hills: Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi Bandi, Cheena Peak, Alma, Laria Kanta & Sher-Ka-Danda
Depth	Maximum: 89 feet (27 meters)
Length & Width	Approx. 1.43 km long, 0.48 km wide
Water Spread Area	Approximately 48 hectares
Catchment Area	11.73 square km
Gauge Level	Normal: 12 feet
Inflow Sources	Rainfall, natural springs, surface runoff
Outflow Channel	Balia Nala an underground drainage system
Hydrology	Receives water from direct precipitation & surface runoff; primary outflow through seepage & controlled drainage
Water Quality Issues	Increasing pollution from sewage discharge, solid waste dumping & stormwater runoff
Biodiversity	Home to aquatic flora & fauna including fish species like Mahseer & Rohu
Vegetation	Surrounding hills have oak, pine & deodar forests
Aquifer Recharge Source	Sukhatal Lake seasonal lake acting as a major groundwater recharge zone
Major Threats	Encroachments, declining recharge capacity, deforestation, pollution, climate change impacts
Climate Influence	Reduced winter precipitation & rising temperatures affecting water levels
Historical Significance	British-era hill station development due to lake discovery in mid 19th century
Tourism Impact	Excessive boating, waste generation, increased water demand
Urbanization Effect	Expansion of homestays, hotels & commercial buildings reducing rainwater percolation
Conservation Measures Taken	Restrictions on construction, High Court interventions, public awareness campaigns
Future Conservation Needs	Sustainable urban planning, wastewater treatment, afforestation in catchment area

Major Lakes in India

Lake Name	Location	Type	Significance
Dal Lake	Jammu & Kashmir	Urban freshwater	Famous for tourism & houseboats
Wular Lake	Jammu & Kashmir	Freshwater	Largest freshwater lake in India
Chilika Lake	Odisha	Brackish water	Largest coastal lagoon in India, famous for migratory birds
Sambhar Lake	Rajasthan	Saltwater	Largest inland salt lake in India
Loktak Lake	Manipur	Freshwater	Known for phumdis (floating vegetation), only floating national park (Keibul Lamjao)
Vembanad Lake	Kerala	Brackish water	Longest lake in India, vital for Kerala’s backwaters
Pulicat Lake	Andhra Pradesh/Tamil Nadu	Brackish water	Second-largest saltwater lake in India, important for flamingo migration
Bhojtal (Upper Lake)	Madhya Pradesh	Freshwater	Main water source for Bhopal
Naini Lake	Uttarakhand	Freshwater	Key tourist attraction, water source for Nainital
Pangong Lake	Ladakh	Endorheic (Saltwater)	Partially in India, extends into China

Key Water Crisis Management Laws & Policies in India

Law/Policy	Year	Purpose
Environment Protection Act	1986	Regulates activities impacting water bodies, pollution control
Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act	1974	Establishes guidelines for water pollution control & monitoring
Groundwater (Regulation & Management) Act	2017	Governs sustainable use of groundwater resources
EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) Notification	2006	Requires environmental clearance for projects affecting water bodies
National Water Policy	2012	Advocates integrated water resource management, conservation
State-specific Water Conservation Acts	Varies	Many states have laws protecting local lakes & groundwater
Wetlands (Conservation & Management) Rules	2017	Provides protection for lakes & wetland ecosystems
Solid Waste Management Rules	2016	Regulates waste disposal to prevent lake contamination
Inter-State River Water Disputes Act	1956	Addresses conflicts over water sharing between states

For more such articles, please refer to IAS GYAN

Sources:

INDIAN EXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss ecological & socio economic challenges faced by Naini Lake due to urbanization, climate change as well as tourism. Suggest sustainable measures for its conservation & long term water security?