Nainital, Uttarakhand – The iconic Mall Road of Nainital, a lifeline for tourists and locals, is facing its most serious crisis in decades. Fresh cracks, land subsidence, and partial sinking have once again raised fears that the Lower Mall Road could completely collapse if urgent action is not taken.
Cracks Widen on Lower Mall Road
The Lower Mall Road, which runs parallel to Naini Lake, has developed alarming cracks stretching several meters. Heavy monsoon rains and continuous water seepage have weakened the soil beneath the road. Locals report that parts of the road have already sunk by nearly a foot, forcing authorities to stop vehicular movement for safety.
Administration Steps In
The district administration and PWD teams have filled the cracks temporarily, but experts warn these “patchwork” repairs are not enough. The road has been closed for vehicles, and diversions are in place. Engineers say unless a permanent geotechnical solution is implemented, the risk of a major collapse remains high.
Why Is Mall Road at Risk?
Geologists and civil engineers point to three major reasons:
- Excessive rainfall and waterlogging that saturates the soil.
- Old construction practices that never accounted for today’s traffic and population load.
- Uncontrolled building activity in nearby slopes, which disturbs natural drainage patterns.
Economic and Tourism Impact
Mall Road is not just a road – it is the economic and cultural heart of Nainital. Hundreds of hotels, shops, and eateries depend on the daily footfall of tourists. With road closures, businesses are reporting losses and tourists are being diverted to alternative routes. For a hill station that thrives on tourism, this is a major blow.
What Experts Suggest
Specialists recommend:
- Building retaining and support walls along the lake-facing side.
- Installing modern drainage systems to prevent water accumulation.
- Introducing real-time monitoring systems for early warnings.
- Enforcing a strict ban on illegal construction in sensitive zones.
Voices from the Ground
Local shopkeepers say their businesses have impacted since the road was closed. Taxi drivers are also worried as restricted movement is affecting tourist convenience. “Mall Road is our identity. If it collapses, Nainital will lose its charm,” said a resident.
The Road Ahead
While temporary measures are underway, experts insist that a long-term restoration plan is the only way to save Mall Road. The government has already floated tenders for permanent repair, but the pace of execution remains slow. With the monsoon rains showing no mercy, the future of Mall Road hangs in the balance.