Uttarakhand High Court Expresses Concerns Over Spread Of Chronic Disease Amongst Nainital Residents Due To Naini Lake's Harsh Water

The Uttarakhand High Court expressed concerns over the spread of chronic problems amongst the residents of Nainital because of the harsh water of Nainital Lake.

The Court asked the State's Pollution Control Board to consult and provide solutions to the problem.

“The other issue, which the respondents will consult with the Jal Sansthan or the Pey Jal Nigam, is that the water of Nainital lake is so harsh that it is causing chronic problem even to the children and people are losing their kidneys and what is the solution to these problems.”, the bench comprising Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Alok Kumar Verma said.

In this regard, the court-appointed Adv. Pradeep Lohani as 'amicus curiae' who will assist the Court about the chronic problems suffered by the residents of District-Nainital because of the harsh water of Nainital Lake.

The aforesaid issue came before the Court while hearing the plea of a Hotel based out of Nainital which had assailed the imposition of Rs. 1,82,250/- as environment compensation by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The appellant contended that the water from his hotel is not going to the lake but is directly going to the sewerage line of the Municipality, therefore no cost could be imposed on it as an environment compensation.

It was claimed by the appellant that the application seeking sewage connection was filed before the Pollution Control Board and is pending.

Acceding to the appellant's claim, the court granted an interim relief to the appellant from payment of the compensation amount. In the meantime, the court asked the appellant to deposit 10% of the deposit amount to the Court's Registry till a final decision was taken on the Appellant's Application keeping in view that the water from his hotel was going to the Sewerage Line laid down by the Municipality.

Case Title: Hotel Kohinoor Versus Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board & Anr.

Click here to read/download the order