Nainital at Risk: Uttarakhand High Court Warns of Similar Crisis to Joshimath

Nainital, a picturesque town in Uttarakhand, faces the risk of a situation similar to the recent Joshimath crisis, as warned by the Uttarakhand High Court. The court has called upon the authorities to take swift measures in order to alleviate the growing problem of traffic congestion during the peak tourist season.

Earlier this year, Joshimath made headlines due to a distressing land-subsidence incident, resulting in severe damage to houses, fields, and roads. In light of this, the court has emphasized the importance of prompt action to prevent a similar scenario from unfolding in Nainital.

With temperatures on the rise, Nainital has become a magnet for hordes of tourists, leading to frequent and lengthy traffic jams in this popular tourist destination. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the division bench consisting of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal has taken suo motu cognizance of a public interest litigation (PIL) regarding the mounting traffic pressure in Nainital.

Swift Measures Needed: High Court Urges Authorities to Address Traffic Congestion in Nainital

To address the escalating issue of traffic congestion, the court has mandated the immediate replacement of traditional cycle rickshaws with e-rickshaws throughout Nainital. As a step towards implementation, the government has been instructed to procure a minimum of 50 e-rickshaws within a two-week timeframe, following the removal of pedal rickshaws from the streets.

Moreover, the court has emphasized the importance of prioritizing pedal rickshaw operators in the allocation of e-rickshaws, ensuring a smooth transition and addressing potential concerns for those currently relying on pedal rickshaws for their livelihoods.

During the PIL hearing on Thursday, Nainital Circle Officer Vibha Dikshit reassured the court of the administration’s commitment to effectively manage the town’s traffic woes. However, with an upcoming fair scheduled to commence on June 14 at Kainchi Dham, the popular tourist spot’s traffic situation is expected to exacerbate further.

Kainchi Dham, renowned for Baba Neem Karoli’s ashram, attracts devotees from all corners of the country. To ensure the smooth flow of traffic during the fair, the court has entrusted the responsibility of traffic management in Kainchi Dham to the Circle Officer of Bhawali.

Parking and Shuttle Services Arrangements: Court Directs Authorities for Tourist Convenience

Furthermore, the court has directed the authorities to make adequate arrangements for parking and shuttle services for tourists in the nearby areas of Kathgodam and Kaladhungi. It has stressed the importance of eliminating encroachments along Mall Road and strictly enforcing no-parking regulations to optimize the utilization of designated parking areas.

To prevent overcrowding, the court has urged the police to conduct regular patrols throughout the city, ensuring that the number of parked vehicles remains within the designated parking capacities.

Additionally, the court has called for the issuance of passes for school cabs and private vehicles, facilitating better traffic management.

In a bid to find long-term solutions, the high court has encouraged relevant authorities to explore the feasibility of constructing a ropeway connecting Ranibagh (Kathgodam) to Nainital. Such an initiative is expected to provide significant relief to Nainital’s traffic woes in the future.

As Nainital strives to preserve its natural beauty and maintain its status as a popular tourist destination, the implementation of these immediate measures is crucial to mitigate the current traffic congestion and prevent a potential crisis similar to Joshimath.