Nainital then and now: The cautionary tale of a postcard town

Once known for its peace, charm and clear waters, Nainital today is struggling under the weight of poor planning and environmental neglect. This ground report takes you through the traffic woes, illegal construction, garbage dumping and the silent threat posed by landslides at Balia Nala, which is the outlet of the Nainital lake. 

Locals open up about daily struggles, from parking nightmares to sleepless nights caused by noisy tourists as Newslaundry revisits Nainital’s past through rare photos and stories, including moments when Bollywood embraced its quiet charm. This isn’t just a story about a town, but a warning for every Himalayan town being pushed beyond its limit.

“This was the real Nainital. Neither shops, nor trash,” says a local, flipping through old pictures of the town.

“Nainital is an example of unity across India, a place where the Naina Devi Mandir, masjid, church and gurdwara are all in the same area,” says another.

Watch.

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