Nainital Faces Drought: Winter Rainfall Declines, Tourism and Agriculture Hit

• Nainital, Uttarakhand's 'Lake City', is experiencing an unusually dry winter with zero rainfall recorded since November.
• Winter rainfall has continuously declined over the past five years, with 2025-26 recording the lowest levels.
• Climate change, reduced Western Disturbances, and abnormal temperature increases are cited as primary reasons for the decline.
• The Naini Lake's water level is dropping, raising concerns about drinking water supply and potential severe water crisis in summer.
• Agriculture, including Rabi crops and horticulture, and the tourism industry are significantly impacted by the lack of rain and snowfall.

Why It Matters: Nainital faces a severe drought due to declining winter rainfall, impacting water supply, agriculture, and tourism.