Nainital: Is 'Beautification' Destroying Its Natural Identity?

• Nainital faces increasing pressure from construction and "beautification" projects, despite its natural beauty and ecological fragility.
• Local experts and environmentalists question the necessity of these projects, fearing they may threaten the city's existence rather than enhance it.
• The Supreme Court has previously raised concerns about Nainital's carrying capacity, yet new construction continues in environmentally sensitive areas.
• Historian Prof. Ajay Rawat suggests natural enhancements like planting local flora and creating moss gardens instead of artificial structures.
• Rawat criticizes the non-Kumaoni architectural style of new structures and warns against heavy construction near the lake, citing environmental risks and increased landslides.

Why It Matters: Nainital's 'beautification' projects threaten its natural beauty and ecological balance.