Naini Lake level rises 9 inches above 2-year average

Late rainfall has pushed the water level of Nainital's Naini Lake nine inches above the two-year average to 79 feet 9 inches, despite scant winter rain and snowfall, officials said. The Irrigation Department attributed the recharge to unseasonal drains that channelled water into the lake during May and late August.

The water level currently drops by about half an inch daily to meet the town's drinking water needs. Executive Engineer D K Singh said even without further rain, the level is expected to reach 77 feet after June 10. The region recorded 275 mm of rainfall from January to May this year, compared to 140 mm in the same period of 2025.

Experts said the lake depends on underground springs and surrounding oak forests for recharge, but widespread concretisation from roads, hotels, and buildings now prevents rainwater absorption, lowering groundwater levels. Officials use four British-era exit gates, called 'daanth', to monitor and release excess water when needed.