The Future Ai

Nainital: : Two boatmen were fined Rs 3,000 each by the Nainital nagar palika for allegedly carrying out varnish work near Naini Lake after an oil-like film appeared on the water surface, prompting authorities to issue strict directives against the discharge of hazardous substances into the lake.Authorities directed all concerned departments to ensure that paint, varnish, oil and other chemicals used during maintenance activities do not enter the lake. Departments were instructed to fully contain such materials at work sites to prevent contamination of the water body.Following the directive, the nagar palika launched an enforcement drive against maintenance activities along the lakeside. Executive officer (EO) of Nainital nagar palika, Rohitash Sharma, said, “An inspection team found traces of varnish that had spilled into the lake during boat maintenance work. After the discovery, all such repair and maintenance activities were shifted away from the lakeside.”Explaining the issue, Sharma said the varnish used during boat maintenance does not dissolve in water. Instead, when spilled into the lake, it accumulates along the edges of the water body along with floating garbage as waves and wind push the waste toward one side. He added that nagar palika workers later removed these deposits along with the garbage from the lake shore.“In the recent case as well, the lakeside was thoroughly cleaned and no such substance is presently visible in the lake,” he added.When TOI visited the lakeside on Friday, the water body appeared clean and boat maintenance work was being carried out away from the lake.Taking serious note of repeated complaints about sewage water flowing into Naini Lake, Kumaon commissioner and secretary to the chief minister Deepak Rawat also issued strict directions to the Nainital Jal Sansthan, stating that “no compromise would be tolerated on the cleanliness and environmental protection of the lake.”Stressing the need for preventive action rather than reactive measures, Rawat ordered the deployment of a dedicated staff member to conduct daily inspections in the affected areas between 10 am and 11 am. “Any instance of sewage discharge into the lake must be immediately reported to ensure swift intervention and prevent contamination,” he said.The commissioner also directed all departments to maintain continuous monitoring and work in coordination to safeguard the lake’s ecosystem, warning that negligence at any level would invite strict accountability and necessary action.