- By Sahelee Rakshit
- Thu, 09 May 2024 05:38 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The iconic Bhimtal Lake, which lies in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, witnessed a historic drop in its water level from 22 metres to 17 metres, according to a climate activist. The reason for this decline in water level can be attributed to the lack of rainfall and snowfall in the Kumaon region. As a result of the current circumstances, the hill town's tourist population has drastically decreased.
The largest lake in the Nainital district, Bhimtal Lake, is a popular tourist destination for visitors from Delhi-NCR. It is situated at an elevation of 1,370 metres. They go there to get away from the intense heat.
Speaking about the declining water level, Puran Chand Brijwasi, a climate activist, stated that the authorities' continued neglect of the lake, as well as the flushing of several drains throughout the lake, has aggravated the issue.
"The lake was last cleaned properly in 1998. Many key drains from the nearby area bring sewage, silt and waste to this lake, which is the largest 'C' type lake in the Kumaon region. We have been requesting the government repeatedly to stop flushing of sewage and silt and help in de-silting of the lake during summer," Brijwasi told India Today TV.
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"The depth of Bhimtal Lake was recorded at 22 metres in 1985, but now it has been reduced to 17 metres. This decline can be attributed to continuous neglect by the government agencies," he added.
The lake's declining water level has also had an impact on the town's tourism business.
The lake is the main draw for tourists in the area, according to Vipin C Pandey, a former tourism development officer of Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), and any changes made to the local ecology may have an impact on the people's ability to make a living.