NGT's Directive on Zoning of Nainital | 24 Sep 2024

Source: IE

Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered classifying Nainital town into prohibited, regulated, and development zones.

• This zoning aims to limit the environmental impact of unchecked urbanisation and manage development responsibly.
• The NGT emphasised the concept of "carrying capacity," which refers to the maximum population and development that Nainital can support without degrading its environment. 
  • The felling of oak and deodar trees for parking construction near hotels has caused major ecological damage in Nainital's catchment area, affecting Nainital Lake's recharge.
• Nainital Lake is a lunar-shaped freshwater lake that was formed due to tectonic movements. It is located in the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand.
• NGT is a statutory body established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests.

Read More: National Green Tribunal (NGT)