Life jackets mandatory at the Lake of eye

By Vipul Goel

Nainital, April 8 : The district administration of Nainital has made it mandatory for all visitors at the popular Naini Lake to wear life jackets while enjoying boat rides here.

The directive has been issued in public interest to prevent drowning incidents, which are commonplace particularly during summer.

Tourists have welcomed the directive.

"It is right because it give the tourists a sense of security. They feel that even if they fall in the water accidentally, they would be safe," said Shubhangi Chandel, a tourist.

Now many accidents have occurred at the Naini Lake in the recent past, but the administration wants to be on the safer side.

It has not been easy implementing the directive.

"We have introduced life jackets for the first time ever and in association with the LIC and Lake Development Authority. We have made them compulsory. Although we are facing some problems initially, but I think within 10 to 15 days, we would find some solutions," said R. K .Sudhanshu, the District Magistrate of Nainital.

It is said that Naini Lake is one of the 64 Shakti Peeths, or religious sites where parts of the charred body of Sati (Goddess Parvati) fell on earth while being carried by Lord Shiva. The spot where Sati's eyes (or Nain) fell, came to be called Nain-tal or (lake of the eye).

The goddess Shakti is worshipped at the Naina Devi Temple on the north shore of the present day lake.

The beautiful lake resort nestles amidst seven hills in a lush valley at an altitude of 1,938 meters.

In 1841, the British first identified Nainital as a holiday resort. Today, that tiny beginning has resulted in this place becoming one of the most favourite hill resorts of India.

ANI