Chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated the Naini lake water quality assessment system built at a cost of Rs one crore with UNDP assistance during his visit to Nainital on Monday.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the CM said that the Naini lake is an integral part of cultural heritage. Commending the district administration and UNDP for this initiative, he also appealed to the public to keep the lake healthy and clean. “The water quality system will aid in water conservation and in keeping it clean. The State has successfully initiated a public movement to revive its rivers, lakes, ponds and water sources. Tree plantation has been done along the Kosi, Gagas, Rispana and Shipra rivers,” said Rawat. Apart from this, construction of the Saung and Jamrani dams will save electricity worth Rs 125 crore.
Stating that Uttarakhand is a tourism state, he stressed on the need for also promoting local products and food. Referring to promotion of homestays in the state, he said that there are 2,200 homestays currently operating and that their numbers will be increased further. He also spoke about the measures taken by the state government to encourage local crafts. Regarding Nainital, he informed that approval had been granted for construction of a sewage treatment plant and parking facility. Referring to the landslide affected Baliyanala, he said that work is being undertaken on both immediate and long term plans for treating the area.
Speaking on the occasion, the local MLA, Sanjeev Arya appreciated the works being undertaken by the district administration. Speaking in detail about the developmental works done by the government, he informed that 25 bigha land has been allotted for building a parking facility in Narayan Nagar. Work is also underway on the proposal for the ropeway between Ranibagh and Hanumangarhi, he added.
Nainital district magistrate Savin Bansal informed that in order to facilitate constant monitoring of the water quality, sensors had been placed at the Mallital pump house and Talllital aeration plant. The water quality measurements will be displayed on an LED screen near MK Gandhi’s statue at Tallital Danth. The constant display of figures related to the water quality in the lake will raise awareness among the locals and tourists for keeping the Naini lake clean, he added.
Tuesday, 27 October 2020 | PNS | Nainital
