Fears Of Subsidence In Nainital, Unlikely 'Villains' Are Causing Cracks On Naini Lake's Edge

Last Updated:
Cracks in Nainital Lake's retaining walls have raised alarm, with experts blaming rat burrows and fish activity for weakening the structure and threatening its stability
Naini Lake, the iconic feature of Nainital, the world-renowned lake city in Uttarakhand, is facing a new and unusual challenge. The retaining walls along its banks are weakening, with cracks appearing in multiple locations.
This alarming development could pose a serious threat to the lake's future existence. Surprisingly, the culprits behind this damage are rats burrowing along the lake's edge and certain fish species living in the water.
Sections of the wall stretching from Boat House Club, Pant Park, and Band Stand to Capital Cinema in the Mallital area have become particularly vulnerable. Visible cracks and signs of ground subsidence are raising concerns among locals and authorities.
According to local boat operators and shopkeepers, the situation has worsened due to rats digging burrows into the lake's retaining walls. Narendra Singh Chauhan, Secretary of the Nainital Boat Owners Committee, stated that the number of rats has grown rapidly, especially near Pant Park, Boat Stand, and the lake's edge.
He believes sweet corn sold around the lake could be attracting them. Tourists frequently consume corn and discard leftovers nearby, providing rats with easy access to food and encouraging their growth. These rodents are now hollowing out the walls by digging into them, compromising their structural strength.
It's not just the rats; fish in the lake are also adding to the damage. Dr Ashutosh Mishra from the Department of Fisheries at Pantnagar University explained that the Common Carp, a fish species found in Naini Lake, digs through soil in search of food. This activity not only disturbs the lake bed but may also weaken the base of the shoreline walls. According to him, this could be contributing to ground subsidence and erosion.
The Irrigation Department and the local municipality have taken note of the issue. Assistant Engineer D.D. Sati of the Irrigation Department said that repairs have already been made in the Pant Park area of Mallital, and work is underway on other damaged sections.
He confirmed that rat burrows have indeed caused damage and said the issue is being taken seriously. A permanent solution will soon be devised in coordination with the municipality to address both the rats and the structural concerns.
First Published:
June 17, 2025, 12:51 IST

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