PIL on the illegal boring of groundwater in Khurpatal lake
Construction of a new housing project adjacent to the Khurpa tal by the Army Welfare Housing Organization (AWHO) has caused afresh hue and cry among the villagers in the surrounding area when Dr. Ajay S. Rawat, Professor of History in Kumaon University filed a PIL against the illegal boring of groundwater in the area this January. AWHO announced a launch of a building project in the area this year. Khurpa tal being located only 10 km from the Nainital town is also a favorite tourist destination. The constructors had already bought land very near to Khurpa tal back in 2000-2001 and started boring wells in the area. The villagers in the area use the lake water for farming. The villagers residing down hills stood against the exploitation of the groundwater, which they feared would affect their irrigation water.