Study of Aquatic Resources and Concerned Livelihood of Nainital

 

Arvind Agrawal1*, Sushil Kumar2, Rabindra Hazarika3 and Nidhi Agarwal4

1Human Resource Development Centre, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (CG)

2Department of Zoology, Govt. PG College, Bisalpur, Pilibhit (UP)

3Department of Zoology, Darrang College, Tezpur (Assam)

4Department of Biotechnology, ITM University, Gwalior (MP)

*Corresponding Author E-mail: dr.arvind02@gmail.com

 

ABSTRACT:

Nainital is one of the most famous tourist destinies of Uttrakhand. It is well known as the Lake District of Uttarakhand as a large number of lakes in the area are found. The study is focused in the Nainital lake system in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. Naini Lake is the most important water body in Nainital in terms of both environment and tourist attraction. It is also a recipient of storm water for large catchments. The two lakes: Nainital, and Bhimtal lake are polluted due to urbanization and tourism activities examine and assess diversity of natural resources i.e. how varied or scarce are the various species of animals and plants (Flora and Fauna) found in the lake. On the basis of our study, we conclude that the local people are getting a plenty of earnings for their betterment but there is just need of an attention to protect natural resources in Nainital.

 

KEYWORDS: Lake, environment, strom water tourist attraction, natural resources.

 

 


INTRODUCTION:

Nainital is one of the most famous tourist destinies of Uttrakhand. It is well known as the Lake District of Uttarakhand as a large number of lakes in the area are found. The presence of more than a hundred lakes has been recorded up until the nineteenth century. Our study concentrates on Naini lake and Bhimtal lake, the most famous lakes among them. These two lakes are the most scenic lakes in Uttrakhand. Nainital is one of the important District of Uttarakhand with high altitude. The City of Nainital is the headquarter of Nainital Lake District and Kumaon region. Nainital has been selected for its tourist importance. Nainital city, located at an altitude of 1938 m is spread over an area of 11.73 sq km, of which Naini Lake covers 0.54 sq km1. Nainital occupies a unique place among the various hill towns in the state of Uttarakhand. Known for its pleasant climate and scenic beauty, the town is a popular destination in the northern tourist circuit. Nainital attracts thousands of tourists from India and abroad.

 

SELECTION OF THE PROBLEM:

Nainital and Bhimtal lakes are the two most important water bodies in District Nainital in terms of both their environment importance and as a tourist attraction. Nainital hills are unstable and many landslides have caused a huge amount of damage in the past. The pollution of the lakes can be attributed to urbanization and tourism activities. The major reasons for pollution of the lakes are discharge of untreated waste water, disposal of solid wastes and silt deposition. An analysis has been conducted to evaluate the present situation of biodiversity in the lake system and linkages with the livelihood measures of the local people. As a famous tourist place and the lakes being the centre of attraction of the tourists the livelihood of the local people mostly depends on these lakes, directly or indirectly. The survey began on 29th October 2014. Basically the fishermen, the boatmen, the rickshaw pullers and school children participated in the interaction session. These people have a desperate need of lake related goods and services to enhance their income. The selected aquatic resources Nainital and Bhimtal lakes have great economic importance as the livelihood activities of the residents are somehow related with the lake. This survey continued up to the 9th November 2014. There were many focus Groups selected in each site such as Fishermen, photographers, boatmen, restaurant owners, restaurant workers, farmers, street vendors, hawkers, labors, teenagers. There was an elaborate discussion regarding the various activities related with the lake, the importance of the lakes in their lives, reasons behind the pollution of the lakes, the measures undertaken for cleaning of the lakes, livelihood activities related with the lakes, income change over the years and its reasons.

 

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY:

The study is focused in the Nainital lake system in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. Naini Lake is the most important water body in Nainital in terms of both environment and tourist attraction. It is also a recipient of storm water for large catchments. The two lakes: Nainital, and Bhimtal lake are polluted due to urbanization and tourism activities. Discharge of untreated waste water, disposal of solid waste and silt deposition are the major factors that cause pollution of the lakes. Previously this area was plentiful in aquatic resources. The present situation is a puzzle; no in‐depth and comprehensive study has been conducted to understand the present status of biodiversity in the lake system and linkages with the livelihood strategies of the local people. Based on the above‐mentioned situation, the study was thus justified with specific objectives as follows:

 

OBJECTIVES:

          To examine and assess diversity of natural resources i.e. how varied or scarce are the various species of animals and plants (Flora and Fauna) found in the lake.

          To evaluate the main factors that affects the highland aquatic resources.

          To identify different groups of stakeholders, their roles and association with the available aquatic resources i.e. the people whose lives are dependent on the lake to earn their living.

          To recognize the feasible livelihood development strategies of local inhabitants dependent on these aquatic resources.

          Proper implementation and management of the formulated action plans.

 

Broadly we can say that the objective of the study is to find out flora and fauna and the reasons for the deterioration of the lakes. The strategies in which the lakes can be conserved and sustainable utilization could be done without affecting the biodiversity of the area.

 

SITE SELECTION CRITERIA:

The Himalayas are abounding with high altitude aquatic lands, which include rivers and associated floodplain marshes, swamps, glaciated lakes, hot springs, seasonal waterlogged areas and manmade wetlands, that play important role in hydrological cycle and regulation of water regimes and livelihood of the local hill communities as well as those living in the plains. These aquatic bodies are under threat due to degradation of catchments and water diversion leading to changes in water regimes, associated biodiversity and overall ecosystem services. In addition, impact of climate change, which has severe implications on regional water resources, is also there. Comprehensive assessments on the extent and current situation of high altitude aquatic lands with respect to sustainable development within the Himalayan region have not been undertaken. Under the current initiative, an attempt would be made to assess the present situation of aquatic resources and conservation needs towards sustainable development.

 

REVIEW OF LITERATURE:

Nainital has an important mythological reference as one of 64 ‘Shakti Peeths’. These centers were created wherever parts of charred body of Sati (Goddess Parvati) fell when Lord Shiva was carrying around her corpse in grief. According to a legend, the left eye (Nain) of Sati dropped in the lake while Lord Shiva was carrying her body to Kailash Parvat. Hence, the lake was given the name of Nainital, from where the city derives its name. Naina Devi is worshipped as the mother goddess of the town. Naina Devi temple is located at the northern end of the lake. The temple was destroyed in a landslide, which occurred in 1880. It was subsequently replaced by the present structure. The British occupied Kumaon and Garhwal in 1815. In the year 1841, Mr. P. Barron a European merchant and an enthusiastic hunter from Rosa, near Shahjahanpur was the first European who took great fancy to this land. Nainital had become a popular hill resort by 1847. The Nainital Municipal Board was formally constituted in 1845. It was the second Municipal Board of North Western Provinces. In 1862, Nainital became the summer seat (i.e. to avoid the scorching heat of summer, the Government offices shifted temporarily to the colder part of the country) of the North Western Provinces. The town also became the summer seat of the Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) Government after independence. After 1963 the summer exodus of the U.P. Government was stopped. The Secretariat building is now being used by divisional and district offices.

 

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

LOCATION

The lakes spread over a radius of 23 km with Nainital at their centers, and are the main sites of attraction to tourists. There are more than hundred of lakes present in Nainital. Among them few are already dried up (we came to know this information by discussing with the local people). Few lakes attract tourists more than others due to their scenic beauty, easy accessibility and resource availability to becoming a tourists place. These places become more important for income and livelihood generation of the local people. The livelihood of the most of the people, specially marginalized people living in the villages adjacent to these lakes are mostly dependent on these lakes. These lakes have its importance in the socio‐economic and cultural life of the people in the region. The important lakes are Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Sattal, Garurtal and Khurpatal. These lakes have varied uses from tourism, potable water, irrigation, and to fisheries in some cases.

Nainital is situated at a distance of 34 km from Kathgodam, the gateway of Kumaon and the terminus of north eastern railway. According to the District Gazette Nainital is located approximately in between 78080’and 80014’ east longitude and 29000’ and 29005’ north latitude2. It is located at 304 km from Delhi, 360 km from Dehradun, the state capital and 388 km from Lucknow.

 


 

 

 


ECOLOGICAL STATUS

Ecologically Nainital and Bhimtal are warm monomictic3 mestrophic lakes with diverse fish populations. These lakes are alkaline in nature with a moderate temperature ranging from 8.5 to 29.00C. The water is congenial to sustaining fisheries of both indigenous and exotic varieties4.

 

PHYSIOGRAPHY

Nainital lies in a valley of the Gagar range running east and west, which is bounded on the north by the China Peak, which rises to a height of 2611.61 m, continued by the Alma peak (presently known as Snow‐View) and the Sher Ka Danda to the eastern extremity, where the ridge descends almost to the level of the lake. Geographically the district is divided into two zones; Hilly and Bhabar. The hilly region in outer Himalayas is known to geologists as krol. (The krol group of rocks, comprising slates, marls, sandstones, limestones and dolomites with a few small dykes, is the dominant formation of the lake’s surroundings). The highest peak of the district is Baudhansthali 2,623 m high near Binayak adjoining Nainital town. The hilly region of the district has many lakes. Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Nainital, Malwatal, Harishtal and Lokhamtal are some of the bigger lakes of the district. The foothill area of the district is known as Bhabhar. The name Bhabhar is derived from a tall grass growing in the region. The underground water level is very deep in this region. Kosi is the main river of the district. River Kosi arising out of Koshimool near Kausani flows on the western side of the district. There are number of smaller rivulets like Gaula, Bhakra, Dabka and Baur. Nainital is situated mainly on the slopes of hills which are surrounding Nainital Lake spread over 53.64 ha. The Sher Ka Danda and Naina Peak in the north, spread from west to east slope towards south i.e. in the direction of the lake. In the west is Chorkhet and Babuliya village and in the south are Raj Bhavan and Ayarpatta, hill ranges all sloping towards the lake. A stream named Baliya Gadhera flows in the east which carries the surplus water of the lake. These hills are unstable and many landslides have caused havoc in the past. New construction is prohibited in most of the hills yet unauthorized commercial as well as domestic construction are undertaken which is damaging to the natural drainage system as well as the stability of the slopes. The regulation of new construction is important as the important ecosystem services are being lost and steps should be taken to stop any kind of unauthorized construction.

 

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

MORPHOLOGY OF LAKES

The main morphometric features5 of Nainital and Bhimtal lakes can be given as follows:

 

MORPHOMETRIC FEATURES

CHARACTERISTICS

NAINITAL

BHIMTAL

Altitude(m asl)

1937

1331

Longitude

79027’E

79036’E

Latitude

29023’N

29023’N

Length (m)

1432

1973

Width (m)

423

457

Max. Depth (m)

27.3 and 25.3

25.8

Mean Depth (m)

16.5

11.5

Surface area (ha)

48.0

85.0

Length Of Shoreline (m)

3630

4023

Catchment Area (km2 )

3.96

11.4

Shoreline Development

1.20

1.23

Rainfall (mm)

2030

2143

Source: Ecological modeling and Fishery Enhancement in Lakes/wetlands of Himalayan/Sub‐Himalayan region

 

CLIMATE

Nainital, because of its location, is colder than the rest of the hilly area of Kumaon region. During the monsoon season, it receives heavy rainfall. The neighboring areas of Almora and Ranikhet are comparatively warmer than Nainital. The monthly maximum and minimum temperatures in the town range between 280C and 70C. The rainy season arrives earlier than in the plains and continues up to the end of September. The heaviest rainfall is observed on the outer slopes of the hills. Average annual rainfall in Nainital is 2583.3 mm. Maximum rainfall occurs normally in the months of July and August which accounts for nearly 50% of the total of annual rainfall. During winter, very low temperatures are encountered because of rainfall.

 

BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION

While the Nainital district where the lake is situated (in the middle Himalayan ranges up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft), a temperate zone), is rich in flora (typical temperate climate plants) and fauna, the details of the flora (FLORA Plate-1) and fauna specific to the lake and its surroundings recorded are the following .

 

The trees and bushes grown in the region (lake’s basin) with their botanical and common Indian names (in parenthesis) are reported to be:6a)   Quercus incana  {Oak (Banj)}; b)  Aesculus indica (Pangar or Horse chestnuts); c)  Juglans regia (Akhrot or walnut), d) Populous ciliata (Hill  Pipal, a sacred tree); e)  Fraxinus miscreant ha (Ash tree or Angu); f) Platanus orientalis (Chinar); g)  Rubus lasiocarpus (Hisalu); h)  Rosa moschata (Kunj or Musk rose); i)  Berberis asiatica (Kilmora))  Cupressus torulosa (Surai or  Himalayan cypress); k)  Rhododendron arboreum (Buruns);  Cedrus  deodara  (Deodar); l) Salix acmophylla  (Weeping Willow); and m)  Pinus  (Pine). The hilly region is covered with Sal, Pine, Oak, Buruns, and Kafal and other trees growing unto 6000 ft. along with Deodar, Surai at higher altitudes. There are small tracts of cultivated lands and fruit orchards in between the forests in this region. The Bhabhar region has Babul, Kikar in abundance besides sal, Khair, Shisham as big trees. The Bhabhar grass and lantana form the undergrowth. These are considered to be the vegetation of dry and arid zones. Haldu is also common in Bhabhar region. The aquatic flora comprises of Potamogeton pectinatus, Potamogeton crispus, Polygonum glabrum, Polygonum amphibium, Polygonum hydropiper (Water pepper) and Hydrilla verticellata. Several species of medicinal flora and horticulture plants have also been reported.

 

MEDICINAL FLORA

Many Medicinal plants grow in the deep valleys of hills. In the middle Himalayan range we find Daruharidra (Berberis aristata)7, Timoor (Zanthoxylum armatum), Manjishtha (Rubia  cordifolia),Sugandhabala (Pavonia odorata ), Samayava, Manduparna, Dhooplakkar, Talish (Trifolium tumens), Devdaru (Cedrus deodara ), Padam (Nelumbo nucifera), Vidhangabhed, Kakoli (Roscoea procera), Ksheerkakoli (Roscoea sp.)8, Lahsuniya and so many other plants. The Himalayan range9 has the potential to grow plants like Saffron, Vindhanga, and Ghritkumari and so on. Many of these plants have a great commercial importance. These are widely used in indigenous system of medicines like Ayurveda, Yunani, Aamchi (Tibetan System) for skin diseases, stomach disorder, nervous disability, liver diseases. Many of these are used in heart and brain tonics. Some are blood purifiers and strengthen immunity. At present crores (1 crore = 10 Million) of this herbal raw material is supplied to Haldwani, Ramnagar, Dehradun and other mandis of plains. Bheshaj Sanghs and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (K.M.V.N.) is enterprises of government of Uttarakhand which have the official authority to collect these medicines.


 

FAUNA

The faunal composition of Nainital comprises of nine species of animals and nine species of birds which can be listed as follows10:

 

ANIMALS (Plate-2)

Presbytis schistaceous (Himalayan Langoor), Invus rhesus (Monkey), Urssus Tibetans (Rich), Martes flavigula (Black capped Marten), Hysrix leucura (Indian Porcupine), Sus Indicus (Wild pig), Cervulus aurens (Barking deer), Pteromys petaurista (Brown flying squirrel), Nemorhoedus goral (Gural) are the animals found in the forest area of the district.

 

BIRDS (Plate-3)

Corvus macrohynchoes (Jungle crow), Corvus splendens (house crow), Parus monticolus (green backed tit), Trochalopteron lineatrum (Streaked laughing Thrush), Turdus boulboul (Grey Winged Black Bird), Passer domesticus (House Sparrow), Certhia himaayana (The Himalayan Tree Creeper), Acridotheres tristis (Common Myna), Pericrocotus brevirostris (short billed minivet) can be found here11 and among the water birds Cormorants and Swan are most important. During the survey we found many of these species and also some other birds of which we do not know the names.

 


 

 

FISH RESOURCES IN NAINITAL LAKE SYSTEM

The Nainital lake system is bestowed with valuable indigenous fish species and other water resources. The lake system holds large population of cultivable and non cultivable fish species. The fishes found in the lake are generally carps Mahseer (the Hindi name of mahāsir, mahāser, or mahāsaulā used for a number of fishes of the group), also hill trout and the mirror carp, which breed several times during one spawning season during May to September. Two species of Mahaseer fish viz., Tor tor: The red finned mahseer and the Tor putitora: The yellow finned mahseer12, a food fish that grows to varying sizes from 20 to 60 cms (7.87 to 23.62 inches) are reported. The three species of Hill Trout found in the lake are the Schizothorax sinuatus, Schizothorax richardsoni and Schizothorax plagiostornus. The imported fish bred in the lake is Mirror carp or Cyprinus carpio. Gambusia affinis also called Mosquitofish have been introduced in the lake as a bio control measure to control Mosquito Larvae. The major component of capture fisheries in this lake system are snow trouts, mahseers, and trouts. By capture fishery we mean that the above mentioned fishes are caught but not cultivated.

The Nainital lake system is blessed with a wide range of fish species but in recent years, due to pollution, water abstraction and engineering structures etc. there has been a decline in the population of various important fish species in the lake ecosystem (Plate-4).

 


BIODIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY AND FARMING SYSTEM

In Nainital area, the main crops include rice, wheat, maize, pulses, potato, ginger, onion, garlic and pea. There are various kinds of vegetables and fruits including orange, lemon, peach, plum, grape, banana, akhrot, pears, apricot, citrus fruits, kafal, strawberry and different species of medicinal plants are also there. In the middle Himalayan range we find Daruharidra (Berberis aristata)13, Timoor (Zanthoxylum armatum), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Sugandhabala (Pavonia odorata ), Samayava, Manduparna, Dhooplakkar, Talish (Trifolium tumens), Devdaru (Cedrus deodara ), Padam (Nelumbo nucifera), Vidhangabhed, Kakoli (Roscoea procera), Ksheerkakoli (Roscoea sp.)14, Lahsuniya and many other plants which mostly grow naturally. This range has the potential to grow plants like Saffron, Vindhanga, and Ghritkumari (Alovera) and so on. The main animals include cow, buffalo, pig, chicken, duck etc. Chemical fertilizers and manures both are used by the farmers to enrich the quality of the crops grown by them. The crops mostly depend on the rain but in some areas agriculture is done by irrigation, and the source of that water is lakes.

 

Molluscs

1

Bellamya bengalensis

 

2

Bellamya dissimilis

 

3

Pila globosa

 

 

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

Ecosystem Services are the benefits that people obtain from ecosystems. The human economy depends upon the services provided free by ecosystems. The ecosystem services supplied annually are worth many crores of rupees. Even the very existence of the environment provides benefits to the society which is known as the non‐use value of the environment. The natural environment supports life on our planet earth. Economic development which leads to clearing of forests for infrastructural development, agricultural purpose’s and over utilisation of environmental resources destroys habitats and impairs services which can create costs to humanity over the long term that may greatly exceed the short‐term economic benefits of the development. These costs include imbalances in the carbon cycle, melting of the glaciers due to global warming and green house effect (a result of deforestation and excessive pollution) are generally hidden from traditional economic accounting, but are however real and are usually borne by society at large.

TOURISM

Nainital is a known destination in the northern part of India. The beauty of Nainital Lake surrounded by hills, lush green forest areas and its rich cultural heritage attracts tourists. There has been a steady growth in the number of tourists arriving in Nainital. During the year, tourist influx is reported to be the highest in the months of May and June, and includes both domestic as well as international tourists. Tourism has negative as well as positive impacts on mountain environment. With tourism there is destruction of forests for energy, fauna due to poaching and grazing lands due to camping activities. It leads to various kinds of pollution like air, water and noise pollution. Tourism gives way to throwaway mentality, congestion and hygiene problems etc. these were a few negative impacts. The positive effects of tourism being encouragement of ecological awareness, conservation measures, measures to hold pollution etc; creation of job opportunities for unskilled, semiskilled and skilled workers; improvement in infrastructure, local arts and crafts, regional development and standard of living.

 

Occupation

Data on occupation shows that 32% of the workers are in gainful employment. 5.0% are unemployed, 39% are students, and 24% are housewives.

 

Table 1: Occupation by Age

Category*

Age group (in years)

<18

18-24

25-44

45-59

60+

Total

Working

1.0

11.4

47.0

68.1

15.0

31.6

Unemployed

1.0

8.6

2.7

1.4

45.0

5.1

Student

98.1

71.4

6.7

-

-

38.9

Housewife

--

8.6

43.6

30.6

40.0

24.4

*All data is at approximate (As per talks with local residents)

 

Natural resource dependence and Livelihoods

On one side of the Naini Lake runs the Mall road now named Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. Along the way there are many hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, shops, banks and other business concerns. This road is the main link joining Mallital and Tallital. On the other side of the lake lies the Thandi Road. It is comparatively less busy and have Pashan Devi temple. Vehicles are not allowed on Thandi Road. At the northern side of the lake there is a place of gathering for people from all walks of life. Here evenings are heavily crowded. There is a statue of Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant and a beautiful fountain. There is a bandstand. The Flats has a playing ground used for sports games and cultural activities during festivals. There is Chat Bazar, Bhotia Market in the flats. In Bhotia Market, vendors sell their fancy items mainly woolen goods. There is Mosque, Gurudwara and Naina Devi temple in flatts. Capitol cinema and Rink theatre which is used for roller skating are also situated in Flatts. A portion of the flatts is used for car parking. New club, Boat House club, Masonic Hall is in the periphery of the flatts for recreation. Both Tallital and Mallital and the areas around the Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal have well laid out shopping centers, with beautifully laid of marts, stores, luxury shops and many Hotels and Restaurants.

 

LIVELIHOODS

The main livelihood strategies observed in Nainital are –

 

Boating:

Nainital is also known as 'Lake Paradise'. In its beautiful 'lakes ', option of boating through yachts, paddle boats and traditional rowing boats are available. The main occupation of the people surrounding the lake is boating. Many of them have their own boats, and some worked as boatman on others boat. Boating rates in conventional rowing boats ranges from Rs. 300 to Rs. 400 in peak season days from one end of lake to another end. Paddling boats are available on hourly rate from Rs. 200 to Rs. 250 depending on type of paddle boat and tourist rush.

 

SHOP AND HOTEL BUSINESS

There are many shops, hotels and restaurants surrounding the lakes of Nainital. Many people have their own shops and many works in the big shops and in the Hotels and Restaurants.

 

AGRICULTURE

In villages’ Chanoti and Pandeygaon agriculture is one of the main occupations of the people and they depend on lake water for irrigation through canals. There is a systematic way of obtaining water over here. People have to place demands in the irrigation department, if they require water on a particular day they have to give requirement before hand as water supply is not regular in the villages and the irrigation department informs the people regarding the days on which it will supply water.

 

HORSE RIDING

Horse riding is another important attraction for tourists in Nainital. Horses can be hired at Barapatthar. Several tourist use horses as their transport mode to visit the different peaks of Nainital. In Bhimtal tourists rides on Horses for fun and entertainment. Horse riding is now strictly prohibited inside the Nainital town. Some people have taken horse riding as means of livelihood.

 

PARAGLIDING

Nainital is one of the famous destiny for paragliding. Naukuchiyatal is best place for.

 

OTHER OCCUPATIONS

There are people from other occupation too. Porter, Rickshaw puller, Cobbler, Barber, Priests, photographers, shop owners are some of them. The research team also encountered teachers, army men; clerks’ etc. These people are indirectly dependent on the lake.

 

RESOURCE DEPENDENCE, ACCESS AND CONTROL

The majority of the population are dependent on the lakes directly or indirectly to earn their living. Household surveyed it was found that most of the livelihood activities of the people are linked with the lakes. The lakes are important natural resource for the community as it is used for boating, lake water is used for irrigation purpose, fishing activities and drinking water is also supplied by the virtue of the lakes. The irrigation department of Bhimtal provides the boating licenses to the boatmen of Pandeygaon and Chanaoti villages whereas boatmen of Nainital get their license from Nainital Nagar Palika Parishad (NNPP). Water for irrigation is provided by the irrigation department of Bhimtal to the farmers of Chanoti and Pandeygaon. Water supply of Nainital is operated and maintained by Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS). These local governing bodies mentioned above are embodied with the authority of collecting water taxes and water charges for the respective villages. The Nainital Nagar Palika Parishad is an important local governing body of Nainital as it provides licenses for various other activities like fishing, rickshaw driving, photography, restaurants, hotels, shops etc.

 

LAKE CONSERVATION

National Lake Region Special Area Development Authority (NLRSADA) is the planning and development authority for Nainital lake region area. It comprises of five planning zones Nainital, Bhowali, Mehragaon (khas), Bhimtal (including sattal) and Naukuchiatal. This authority shoulders the responsibility of preparing and enforcing the development plans for lake conservation.

Under Nainital Lake Conservation Project, works have been proposed in the following broad sectors:

    Sewerage and sanitation works

    Restoration and development works

    Catchment conservation works

    Infrastructure facilities

    Social awareness and participation plans.

 

STAKEHOLDER COMMITMENT TO the study

The important stakeholders involved in aquatic resource were identified on the basis of the Individual talks in the study area. They are –

1.       Local residents

2.       Shop owners and workers (Garment, Stationary, others)

3.       Local vendors

4.       Infrastructural Institutions (Municipality, Educational Institutes, etc.)

5.       Vehicle owners and Drivers

6.       Boat owners and pullers

7.       Horse owners and riders

8.       Hotels and Restaurants owners and workers

9.       Tourists

10.    Tour agents

Identified partners and stakeholders especially local peoples and local vendors surrounding the lake want to work in a manner so that they have a descent livelihood to support their family. In return, they will take care of the lake and its surrounding environment. On survey it was observed that even within a household different stakeholder groups were present and it was also found that a person was involved in different profession in different seasons.

 

 

CONCLUSION:

Nainital is really a beautiful place as surveyed by our team. It has a number of natural scenic sites such as Naini Lake, Hills (Naina Peak, Tip and top etc.), Oak Forests, Pinus forests, Snow view etc. Because of these natural sites Nainital has become a very famous tourist destination. As being a tourist place, Nainital is playing an important role in employment generation for local residents as well for the people coming here for business purpose (Tibetian market is quite famous for shawls, jackets sweaters and many other things). Nainital is a twelve month tourist place especially in summer season so there are continuous earnings of the people concerned with the employment. In reference to the livelihoods of the local people, there are many ways of earning money. Some important businesses of local residents are hotels and restaurant, shops, tea and coffee stalls, Boating, horse riding, paragliding, travel agencies, rikshawpulling, agriculture, selling of wood crafts, woolen items. Numbers of government offices are also there providing opportunities of jobs in different sectors.

 

On the basis of our study, we conclude that the local people are getting a plenty of earnings for their betterment but there is just need of an attention to protect natural resources in Nainital.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: 

We are very much thankful to all members of UGC-HRDC, Nainital, Kumaun University, Nainital for their support and help during the Refresher course Life Sciences

 

REFERENCES:

City Development Plan Nainital revised under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) May2007, City Development Department Government of Uttarakhand, GHK International, UK in association with Infrastructure Professionals Enterprise ENC Consulting Engineers, P. 5

Google Maps.

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http://www.herbalcureindia.com/herbs/daruharidra.htm

http://www.enainital.com/nainital culture traditions.php

http://www.greenfacts.org/glossary/def/ecosystemservices.htm

http://www.enainital.com/nainital culture traditions.php

http://www.enainital.com/nainital culture traditions.php

http://www.enainital.com/nainital culture traditions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Received on 18.09.2015             Modified on 22.10.2015

Accepted on 10.11.2015           © RJPT All right reserved

Research J. Pharm. and Tech. 8(11): Nov., 2015; Page1570-1579

DOI: 10.5958/0974-360X.2015.00280.2