‘Oil leak’ in Naini Lake sparks concern; residents worried over impact on fragile ecosystem of water body

Nainital: Serious environmental concerns have emerged in Nainital after oil leakage along Lower Mall Road seeped into the waters of Naini Lake, the city’s primary water source. A visible oil film now coats sections of the lake’s surface, raising alarm among residents and environmentalists over its implications.Residents said the pollution is not only affecting aquatic life but could also pose risks to people dependent on the lake. Some claimed dead fish could be seen near the deltas where water levels have receded.Apart from being an ecological asset, Naini Lake is also one of the town’s biggest tourist attractions. Residents fear the visible pollution could affect the lake’s famed clarity and impact tourism.Prima facie, the oil was noticed along the stretch where maintenance work on Lower Mall Road by the PWD is underway. When contacted, PWD assistant executive engineer Ratnesh Kumar Saxena said, “Maintenance work of boats is ongoing along the lakeside, and thinner and paint used during the process may have drained into the lake through workers engaged there.” He added that he had spoken to the executive officer of the municipal council regarding the issue.District magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal told TOI the matter is being treated seriously. “The source of contamination is being identified, and necessary action would be taken.”Experts meanwhile said that the oil layer could severely affect the lake’s ecosystem. Environmentalist and biology lecturer Kamlesh Pandey said oil film has a tendency to block sunlight from penetrating the water, disrupting photosynthesis in aquatic plants and algae and weakening the aquatic food chain.“The oil layer also hinders oxygen exchange between air and water, reducing dissolved oxygen levels. This can suffocate aquatic life and, in extreme cases, lead to fish mortality,” he said. Pandey added that toxic hydrocarbons in leaked oil could damage fish gills, poison aquatic organisms and accumulate in living tissues through bioaccumulation, increasing risks for other species and humans.The contamination has also raised concerns over water quality and public health. Senior physician Dr M S Dugtal said chemicals from diesel and gasoline used in heavy machinery can seriously affect both humans and aquatic life if they enter water bodies.“These substances form a layer on the surface that blocks oxygen. In humans, exposure can lead to headaches, nausea, stomach pain and respiratory problems,” he said, stressing the need for immediate clean-up measures.Experts added that the impact extends beyond aquatic life, with birds and shoreline ecosystems also at risk.