Rs 7 crore to be pumped in to restore Naini lake

Naini lake will soon get Rs 7 crore to restore its lost glory. The Public Works Department (PWD) has prepared a proposal that seeks Rs 7 crore in funds for the lake under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. The proposal has been sent to the irrigation department which will forward it to the state government and then to the Centre for approval.

The money will also be used or maintenance of the canal system which recharges the lake.

Bijendra Kumar, executive engineer, irrigation department, Nainital, said, “The proposal is being vetted and we will soon send it to the state government. Steps will be taken to ensure that there is no encroachment or construction on the banks of the lake and adequate catch-pits are constructed on nallahs emptying into the lake so that the water body is not polluted by garbage and debris.

This summer, water in the lake, which is the only source of supply to Nainital town, had plunged to an unprecedented 18 feet below normal. In July, chief minister Trivendra Rawat had announced an amount of Rs 3 crore by the state government for the lake. The CM had met with experts, environmentalists and held consultations on conservation of depleting water bodies. The experts were told to survey and submit a report on how water of Naini lake can be preserved.