Nainital: Amid frequent health issues reported among the Nainital residents in Uttarakhand due to the consumption of harsh water originating from famous tourist attraction Naini lake, Uttarakhand high court expressed concern and directed the state pollution control board to consult and provide a solution to this serious problem.
As per the reports, the HC also noted that people in Nainital are losing their kidneys due to the water from the Naini lake and directed concerned authorities to address this issue at the earliest possible.
A case regarding environmental compensation
This directive of HC came on 21 September when the bench of Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Alok Kumar Verma was hearing the plea of a hotel that was directed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to pay Rs 1.82 lakh as environmental compensation. NGT had fined this hotel for discharging sewage in the Naini lake. In his plea, the hotel owner claimed that the water from his hotel is directly going to the sewerage line of the municipality, not discharged into the lake. Therefore, no cost could be imposed on it as an environmental compensation.
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Harshness of the Nainital lake water is causing chronic health problems
The court has instructed the respondents to consult with the Jal Sansthan or the Pey Jal Nigam and submit a counter affidavit. Additionally, the court has directed the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board to provide solutions to the issue. The bench highlighted another concern, stating, “The respondents will consult with the Jal Sansthan or the Pey Jal Nigam regarding the harshness of the Nainital lake water, which is causing chronic health problems, including kidney issues, even in children. What solutions can be proposed for these problems?” The counsel for the respondents has requested time to file the counter affidavit.
The hotelier has been directed to pay 10 percent of the original penalty
The court has scheduled the case for December and granted relief to hoteliers who were penalized for allegedly discharging untreated wastewater into Naini Lake. They have been directed to pay 10 percent of the original penalty to the court’s Registry. Additionally, the court appointed advocate Pradeep Lohani as amicus curiae to assist with the chronic health issues faced by Nainital residents due to the harsh water of the lake.
Naini lake is the primary source of drinking water for the town
Naini Lake, a central feature of Nainital’s tourism industry, is the primary source of drinking water for the town’s residents. It supplies fresh water to households and businesses, particularly during the summer months when tourism increases water demand. Besides its primary use for drinking water, the lake also indirectly supports small-scale irrigation in the surrounding areas.
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