Nainital Prepares for Winter Tourist Season with Boat Repairs on Naini Lake

Nainital, October 24 (Daily Kiran) : Nainital is ramping up preparations for the winter tourist season as the rainy weather comes to an end. With an increase in visitor numbers starting in October, local boat operators are busy getting their vessels ready for the upcoming season on Naini Lake. They are currently engaged in cleaning, painting, and repairing the boats to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for tourists.

During the rainy season, boating activities on Naini Lake typically decline. The wet conditions can damage the wooden boats, leading to concerns about cracks and deterioration. After the rains, the boats are taken out of the lake for necessary repairs and maintenance.

Narendra Singh Chauhan, Secretary of the Boat Operators Association, explained that boating operations are affected for about three months during the rains. While a few boats operate, most require upkeep. As the new tourist season approaches in October, boats are pulled from the lake for preparation.

The first step involves removing accumulated dirt and silt from the boats. Next, the wood is inspected, and any damaged sections are replaced. To fill cracks, a special putty is prepared using linseed oil. After repairs, the boats receive a coat of varnish and are then dried in the sun.

Chauhan noted that after repairs, the boats are left to dry for three to four days. They are only returned to the lake after thorough checks to ensure both tourist safety and the longevity of the vessels.

He further detailed that constructing a new boat is quite costly, with expenses reaching around 2.25 lakh rupees. Each boat requires approximately eight kilograms of copper nails, sourced from Delhi, which adds to the overall cost due to the high price of copper at around three thousand rupees per kilogram.

The cost may vary depending on the size and materials used in the boat’s construction. Completing repairs and safety checks before the tourist season is crucial, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a safe boating experience on Naini Lake.