Yatch rides on Naini Lake

Nainital (Uttarakhand), June 18 : Army's efforts to revive Yatch sailing in Naini Lake in Uttarakhand is bearing fruit with the picture perfect lake surrounded by hills attracting and drawing tourists.

Officials of the army have taken it upon themselves to revive the yatch and boat rides in the hill station dubbed as 'Lake Paradise'.

The army officials said that there was a time when the Naini Lake was famous and well known for its yatch rides, but owning to callous attitude of the authorities, the activity have taken a back seat.

"We are trying to revive the rides. We want to begin with inviting children from in and around Nainital. We will start a coaching program also. It would be a shame if we cannot keep the activities of a club that started in 1990 alive in 2010," said H S Panag, Lieutenant General, Central Command.

The Nainital boat house located at the edge of the lake exclusively manages yatching in the northern town.

But officials say that the activities of the boat house have taken a back seat and an association that used to actively promotes the sport including other water sports such as canoeing and parasailing is no more active.

Meanwhile, the natural beauty of the lake and the excitement of the boat ride continue to enthrall those visiting the sparkling lake bound by hills.

"This is the ultimate place, people should come and visit Nainital more," said Shuchi, a tourist.

Naini Lake, situated at an altitude of 2000 feet above sea level and surrounded by green hilltops, is a major tourist attraction. It is also the main source of drinking water for the resort.

It has been privileged with as many as 60 lakes. With the passage of time some 40 lakes disappeared because of deforestation, pollution and a general lack of awareness.

Nainital is known as the "Switzerland of India"" because of its picturesque lakes.If Nainital has still remained a tourist's paradise, the credit largely goes to its Naini Lake. By Vipul Goel

ANI