Urban Development in the Lake Region: A Historical Perspective

Transcription

1 Urban Development in the Lake Region: A Historical Perspective The process of urbanization is a complex phenomenon that is affected by the physical, cultural, social and economic structure of the region. In Himalaya, particularly in the Kumaun region, owing to its unique physico-cultural and economic conditions, the process of urbanization has been slower than most of other regions of the country. Not only their number but also the size of these towns is also very small. Even then, they play an important role in changing and patterning the socio-economic aspects of the region. Varying altitudes, terrains, micro-climatic characteristics, accessibility, pilgrimage and beautiful landscapes have been the main factors towards the development of urban centres of Kumaun Himalaya. The beginning of urbanization in Kumaun was very slow, but at present towns are developing and flourishing as populous centres of activity. Rapid urbanization has been a prominent feature of the twentieth century in the entire Kumaun Himalayan region. From the historical view point Kumaun remained relatively unexplored till its discovery by the British. Undoubtedly the British have contributed significantly towards urbanization in Kumaun; they established new settlements and many administrative centres after they occupied the territory of Kumaun. Systematic enumeration started in 1881 A.D., before this the history of urbanization is not authentic because of the lack of reliable records. The developments of roads, railways, agriculture, commerce, education and other infrastructural facilities have in turn resulted in a speedy urbanization in this region. 81

2 3.1 Significance of Urban Sites Towns grow and develop at different sites for discharging specific functions. The development of urban centres has happened in the Lake Region because of its salubrious climate picturesque surrounding and beauty of lakes. The main urban centres of the region are Nainital, Bhowali and Bhimtal Nainital Nainital is the main urban centre of the region situated in the Lesser Himalaya near the main boundary thrust (MBT). The lake in the centre of this town is an unusual natural phenomenon; no other lake of the many found in this region can be compared with Lake Nainital. The bean shaped lake, an outcome of tectonic activities, situated at North latitude and East longitudes, lies on the outermost ranges of the Lesser Himalaya at an altitude of about 1940 metres above mean sea level. The maximum length of the lake is 1423 meters and the maximum depth is 27.3 meters, the mean depth being meters (NIH Report ). The lake has a catchment area of 5.85 km 2 including Sukhatal and a surface area of m 2 (Khanka 1983). Nainital is situated at a distance of 35 km from Kaladhungi and 30 km from Ranibagh at the foothills, 65 km from Almora. Naini Lake is the second largest lake in Lesser Himalaya is situated in a valley running from west to east which is bounded on three sides by seven high ridges and hillocks. On the north by the Naina Peak (2611 metres) and Alma Peak (2230 meters), the Lariakantha (2481 meters) and the Sher-ka-danda (2402 meters) are its eastern extremity where the ridge descends almost to the level of the lake. On the west are the rugged hills of Deopata (2434 meters), Handi Bhandi (2180 meters) and on the west Ayarpatta attains an elevation of 2352 meters diminishing gradually towards the east. On the south is the pass through which the surplus water of the lake finds an exit and forms 82

3 the principal source of the River Baliya which in turn is the principal feeder of the River Gaula. On west of the valley is Khurpatal comprising of a series of gentle undulations formed by the debris of the surrounding hills with a small lake Bhowali Bhowali, only 11 km from Nainital at an altitude of 1706 meters above mean sea level, is located between North latitude and East longitude. The slopes are densely covered with pine and oak trees. Due to enclosed pine forests the crisp salubrious air makes it an ideal spot particularly for tuberculosis patients (Tyagi, 1991). The distance of Bhowali from Ranikhet is 50 km, Almora 55 km, Pithoragarh 169 km, Kathgodam 35 km and Bhimtal 11 km. It is also connected to Ramgarh, the fruit belt of Kumaun Bhimtal Bhimtal Lake is the largest lake of Kumaun Himalaya situated at an elevation of 1371 meters above mean sea level and a graticule of north longitude and east longitude. The catchment area of the lake is about km 2. The length of the lake is 1715 meters including swampy area in northwest direction and its width is 530 meters at the widest point (Khanka 1983). Bhimtal is located at a distance of 22 km by road from Nainital and 20 km from Kathgodam. An island in the lake near the sluice gate gives more attraction and beauty to the lake. The lake water is used for irrigation purposes in the Bhabar region. The urbanization of Bhimtal lake basin is much lower in comparison to Nainital. 83

4 3.2 Development of Nainital Town in Different Periods The origin of Lake Nainital and the other lakes of Kumaun have been a subject of controversy. There are two main theories, first that it was excavated by the glacial action and was formed by a landslide. Some have suggested that the valley had been dammed up by landslide debris Origin of Lake in Puranic Theory The place Naini Lake, the main site of Nainital town, is known since ancient days for it is mentioned in the Mansa-Khand of the Skanda Puran under the name of Tri-Rishi Sarovar that was the spot where the three rishis - Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha were reputed to have arrived here on a penitential pilgrimage and finding no water to quench their thirst, dug a hole and siphoned water into it from Mansarovar, the sacred lake in Tibet. The ancient Hindus believed that a dip in Nainital, the lesser Mansarovar earned merit equal to a dip in the great lake. The important Puranic reference of Nainital is as one of the 52 Shakti Peeths, centres of powers of the Shakti cult. When Lord Shiva was carrying around Sati s corpse in grief, it is said that the left eye (nain) of Sati fell here, and this gave rise to the patron deity of the town Nainital, the lake of the eye Origin of Lake in Geological Theory In Nainital hills, in the southern fringe of the Kumaun Himalaya from a prominent physiographic feature characterized by a complex tectonic architecture related to boundary thrust and recurrent movements along faults, structurally one of the most disturbed belts of the Himalayas, this massif is a product of movements on the Intraplate Subduction Zone The Main Boundary Thrust. 84

5 Different opinions regarding the origin of lakes given by different geologist are: (i) Theobold (1880) thought that the stream channel was blocked by a glacial moraine. (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) Middlemiss (1890), Heim and Ganseer (1939), Thomas (1952), Pande (1974) and Valdiya (1981) invoke differential movements along a fault to explain formation of the lake depression. Middlemiss believed in different movement along a fault accompanied by enlargement of cavities of the collapsed mass of limestone. Thomas postulated gliding down of the southern Ayarpatta block on plastic red-shale horizon and development of a charm behind the glided block. Mathur (1955) described the lake as structural valley that has been enlarged by denudation of there floors. Pal and Merch (1974) see the Nainital Lake as a product of a combined effect of movements along intersecting Nainital, Khurpatal and Lariakanta fault - the subsidence of the nose of the synclinal hills. Hukku et al. (1974) think that the Naini and Khurpa lakes represent remnant loops of meandering river that vanished as a result of neotectonic movements along the active Manora Thrust. What Hukku et al. described as fluvioglacial deposits are indeed block upper Krol collapsed down between parallel faults Early Urban Development There is no doubt that man has been the most active agent in shaping the face of his own habitat during the course of the historical development but it is the nature of the earth, which also determines the pattern of its future growth. The location of any human settlement and its growth depends upon the interplay of various natural and cultural factors acting over a period of time. This phenomenon can be 85

6 seen through the settlement and growth of Nainital town. The picturesque surrounding, together with the beauty of the lake, its proximity to the plains and salubrious climate were the main reasons that led to the selection of Nainital as a recreation and health resort by the British during the nineteenth century (Joshi et al. 1983). If we take into account the growth of Nainital it appears that the town is of comparatively recent origin. Prior to 1839 little historical records of Nainital are available; however, villagers knew the place as it had religious significance for them. The first recorded account of Nainital is found in an issue of the newspaper Englishman from Calcutta which was followed by a letter of P. Barron published in Agra Akhabar in 1841 (Clay, 1927). It seems that Mr. G.W. Traill, the second Commissioner visited Nainital while conducting revenue settlements of Kumaun in 1817, but he did not pay much interest to this area. It was P. Barron, a British merchant from Shahjahanpur, who popularised this wilderness to the outside world. He happened to stop here during one of his hunting expeditions to this area in Barron (nick named as Pilgrim) mentions that the whole area was covered with dense forest only frequented by locals of surrounding villages, who visited the place with their cattle during the summer and rainy seasons to use abundant pasture of the valley (Pande and Pathak, 2001). Before 1842, there was hardly even a hut in the valley but by 1842 about half a dozen sites for buildings had been applied for and granted (Atkinson, 1884). The Commissioner was given the full rights to declare any area as a public property for common use. A small bazaar and houses for businessmen were planned out and areas were demarcated near the upper end of the lake. Barron selected three sites from himself, and constructed a house named Pilgrim Lodge in 1841 (Chaurasia 1992). Lushington, the then Commissioner of Kumaun was probably the first person to build a house in Nainital. 86

7 Fig. 3.1 It was only in 1845 that the site of the Mallital market was cleared for settlement purposes, which till then was occupied by a ringal bamboo jungle. In 1846, the market in this area grew and there was an increase in the number of new buildings, church etc. One of the earliest public buildings in Nainital is the church of St. John-inthe-Wilderness built in 1844 (Clay, 1927). The rapid expansion of the township soon received the attention of Commissioner Lushington and compelled him to ban private leasing, as he wanted to maintain some land for public amenities like post office, hospital, school and police station etc. With the gradual expansion of the settlements and population, the need of a local self- 87

8 government was felt, and on the request of local citizens, in 1845, the By Laws Act No. 10 of Bengal Presidency was implemented in the town. As a result, a committee gave priority to develop essential infrastructure in the town and it also passed a resolution to clean the lake and remove algae from it. Doctors and policemen were also deployed. Fig. 3.2 By 1847, forty houses had been built in Nainital and 61 visitors had spent the summer months and 26 casually visited Nainital. The place came into prominence within a short span of hardly a decade and there was a very quick growth of settlements, which resulted in Nainital acquiring the status of a Municipality in 1850 (Neville,

9 p.180). It was the second municipal board of North Western Provinces. To protect the town from congestion and to maintain the beauty and integrity to the landscape it was made mandatory that each bungalow be surrounded by at least two acres of natural forests (Pant, 1991). By 1850, Nainital had become a known hill station and started attracting tourists. A regular arrival of people necessitated a systematic development of the township and provision for various amenities like roads, parks, grounds, offices and school etc. In this way, the town, in order to serve the growing needs of the people, handed-out many functions and a number of services and facilities. A mission school was set-up, which was renamed as Chet Ram Sah Thulgharia School in 1928, and is the first school of the town, built way back in In 1851, the Collectorate was built and a police station was opened in the town (Clay, 1927). In 1857, Nainital acquired a fresh charm, as there was little impact of mutiny here, when the country was witnessing the outbreak of violence and disorder. It was considered to be a safe haven for Europeans. Soon it became a significant centre of education for Europeans. Nainital Diocesan, the present Sherwood College, was opened in July 1867 to provide schooling to both European boys and girls. A new school was opened in 1869 for the education of European girls with the name All Saints Sisters. A few more schools, the Oak Opening Boys High School (in 1877) later renamed as Birla Vidya Mandir, St. Mary s Convent (1878) were also opened. Wellesley College was another premier institute of India during the colonial period; today the D.S.B. Campus (1951), the main campus of the Kumaun University is housed here. Hotel Mayo, which was renamed Grand Hotel in 1898 was the first hotel in the town built in 1870 (Rawat, 1999). From 1857 onwards town also started to grow a cantonment area, which was named Gorkha Line. Nainital is situated in a geologically very sensitive area as this is clearly brought out by the geo-tectonic disturbances, and the minor or major landslides that occur every now and then. Nainital as seen by 89

10 Pilgrim, in 1941, had no fresh landslides, mainly because it was free from human pressure. However, records refer to several incidents of land slips, boulders rolling or washing away of roads even in the years passed. The town experienced the first serious environmental hazard related to hill slopes in 1867, which manifested in a massive landslide, when a huge landmass of Alma Hill, near the Mallital Bazaar, came down. Actually the fragility of the ecosystem could not be visualised in advance. This calamity worried the local administration, which soon constituted a committee to consider the safety of the hill slopes. The area was declared sensitive and the sale and purchase of land was banned in some of the fragile areas. The committee in its enquiry found that no drainage system was existent in Nainital catchment and suggested it as one of the most important safety measures for preventing further landslides. The fragile system of the town could not be safeguarded for a long time and on 18 th September 1880 Nainital again saw the most devastating landslides of the century. One of the most sunny and suitable area of the town for residential purpose was washed away taking the lives of 151 people, of whom 43 were Europeans and the remaining were Indians. The impact of the catastrophe was that it made people alert about their town s safety. Serious efforts were made to understand the geology of the town and special attention was paid towards the conservation and stability of the hill slopes. Safe and unsafe areas were demarcated clearly. Under the chairmanship of Henry Ramsay a special committee was constituted and a special fund was created to deal with the environmental problems (Pande and Pathak, 2001). In spite of the appalling loss of life and destruction to property, the landslide of 1880 had one very important beneficial effect (Clay, 1927). Before the year 1880 there was practically no drainage system in Nainital, but between 1880 and 1885 a network of 29 nallahs (drains), about 71 km in length was developed. Another beneficial effect of the 1880 landslide was the creation of the playground Flats, 90

11 as it now exists. A small recreation ground had existed there before the landslide, but as a result of it, the space available was largely increased. By the turn of the century Nainital became a well-known hill station and administrative centre. With its growth as a hill station, tourism became an affluent business and some of the Europeans started renting their properties during the tourist season. It finally led to growth of the hotel industry (Pande and Pathak, 2001). A rapid growth took place in the late 19 th century. In 1891, Nainital was made a separate district, which also accelerated the development activities of the town which was the district headquarters. Together with administrative units, government departments, several bungalows, rest houses, marketing areas, growth of recreational facilities like the clubs, dancing hall and theatres could be seen in Nainital. For the sports lovers Nainital Gymkhana was formed in Nainital Sailing Club came into existence in 1897 (Rawat, 1999). St. Joseph s College was opened in An important public building was the Ramsay Hospital which was erected in 1892 in the memory of Sir Henry Ramsay, the Commissioner of Kumaun, and later renamed as G.B. Pant Hospital. The Crosthwaite Hospital was opened in 1896 which is today known as B.D. Pandey Hospital (Chaurasia, 1992). In 1899, the town was equipped with drinking water facilities since water works were established at Mallital. The population in February 1881 was 6576 (Atkinson, 1884), and inclusive of the visitors it was 10,054 in September By 1891, the population had grown to This shows that by 1880 the town had already emerged as a popular summer resort and an education centre. 91

12 Fig Early Twentieth Century Urban Development ( ) Although some public utility services were started in this period but during this period the town grew very slowly. A Government House was constructed down the slope of Sher-ka danda, but was 92

13 declared unsafe because of the historical landslide of 1880, and hence, a new, most beautiful building the Government House was built in the south western section of the town near Sherwood estate in A grand building now housing Uttarakhand High Court was also constructed in 1900 (Clay, 1927). In this period many public utility services were also started in the town. In 1910, the telephone exchange was established in Mallital and a local hydel power station was established downstream Balia Nala at Durgapur in The construction of rail link to Kathgodam in 1884 and the completion of a motorable road between Kathgodam and Nainital in 1915 were significant factors that helped in the early growth of the town (Joshi et al., 1983). Because of these facilities Nainital received impetus in tourism activities. Within the town, development of a network of bridle paths connecting several areas, again gave a momentum to the process. From 1841 to 1900 there were only 40 main bungalows in Nainital town, but by 1927, 326 houses near civil line area, 290 in Mallital bazaar and 279 in Tallital bazaar were built, which reached up to 2839 by the year There was sluggishness in the growth and development of Nainital during the period due to the world wars and the freedom struggle. In this way the town gradually developed and the trends of growth of the town are more or less reflected in the growth of population in the town. The Census of 1901 recorded a population of The marginal fall in population during the decade 1921 to 1931 might have been due to the great recession of late twenties and the thirties. This might have adversely affected both the stakeholders, predominated by the tertiary sector and the population. The decline in the population of the town during the decade can be attributed of the decision of the first provincial Congress Government of 1937 not to move the summer capital of Nainital and the impact of the Second World War. This resulted in a large fall in the number of persons visiting Nainital. The shifting of the army headquarters of the 93

14 Eastern Command from Nainital to Ranchi could have also affected the population of the town. Fig. 3.4 The population increase between 1941 and 1951 can be attributed partly to the regained status as the summer capital of the state after independence. The end of the Second World War, and the 94

15 changes ushered in the new opportunities brought by independence were also responsible for growth of the population of this hill resort (Table 3.1). Table 3.1 Decade-wise Population Variation of Nainital Town Year Population Growth Growth in % Post-Independence Urban Development ( ) Although Nainital had achieved sufficient fame as a hill resort due to its scenic beauty and attraction of the lake before 1947, the town still remained as headquarters to different government offices and a hill resort to high-class gentry. Thus, only a compact class of the society enjoyed the township of Nainital before It was only after Independence that the town started its expansion and a concentration of population, largely engaged in secondary and tertiary activities, began in the town. The post-independence period has been associated with many fundamental and interesting changes in the growth of the town. While many of the changes are associated with corresponding changes in the national tourist scene, some of the changes have been local in nature or peculiar to Nainital. A brief sketch of these changes and trends is given below: First Phase: Development Immediately after Independence ( ) The decade following Independence was a period of slow growth with shifting of the major administrative functions and little recognition of the town as tourist resort. It was also a lean period for 95

16 Fig. 3.5 tourism activities. For some time, senior bureaucrats, ministers and some officials moved to Nainital for only 6 to 8 weeks during the summers. The efforts of the U.P. Government of popularize tourism brought result in 1956, when the government established a separate Department of Tourism in the State. As a result of this, and also due 96

17 to other factors, the tourist traffic of Nainital rose steadily during the latter part of the fifties Second Phase: Period of Gradual Development ( ) This phase began with a great setback to the growth of the town when in 1960, the State Government decided not to shift the capital of Nainital in summers due to a number of factors. In the initial stages, this step proved to be a big blow to the tourist activity and the economy of the town. But, it soon started reviving its lost significance as a leading tourist resort. In 1960, the State Government had already established a Regional Tourist Bureau at Nainital with a view to promote tourism in the hill areas. This also helped to some extent in recovery and subsequent growth of tourism activity in the town. The Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971 gave a boost of tourism in Nainital since a large number of tourists avoided visiting Kashmir during these years. The annual tourist inflow in the two main seasons during the years 1961 to 1965 was recorded as 92,387, 98,178, 91,335, 1,08,060 and 1,36,986, respectively (Pande, 1982). It is clear from the above data there was a big surge (27%) in the tourist activity in 1965 and the increasing requirements led to the growth of hotel and other such accommodations in the town. While there were only 15 hotels in 1951, their number rose to 20 in 1961 and to 30 in A number of new settlements were established and the number of households increased to more than 3742 in 1961, and 4053 in 1971 as compared to 2899 in 1950 and 2829 in The functions of the town also increased. Kumaun University, to which more than a dozen higher educational centres of Kumaun region are affiliated, was established in 1973 To facilitate and encourage the tourist industry entire region of Kumaun a development agency known as Kumaun Mandal Vikas Nigam was established in The increasing number of tourists in the town encouraged commissioning of numerous travel agencies since 1980 s around the 97

18 region. In 1970, the construction of a new road between Nainital and Kaladhungi was started that was completed in The population data of 1951, 1961 and 1971 also shows a steady rise in the population, which was 13,093, 16,080 and 25,167 in the respective years (Table 3.2). By 1972, the town had emerged as a full-fledged tourist town. Table 3.2 Decade-wise population variation of Nainital town Year Population Growth Growth in % Recent Development: Period of Rapid Growth (1980-present day) The third or the latest phase is related with the diversification of the functions of the town including its rising status such as an internationally famous hill resort. The increased tourist flow has not only had an impact on the economy of the town but has equally influenced its evolution and the functional morphology. The new functions emerged in the field of higher and technical educations (University, Administrative Training Centre) and a variety of services that cater to the needs of the tourists such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, transport, holiday homes and tourists guide services. This phase may, therefore, be associated with a phenomenal increase in the built-up area of the town mainly in the shape of tourist facilities along the Mall Road, the main thoroughfare of the town. At the two ends of the lake are found congested markets with three to five storied houses. The surrounding ridges constitute the residential units, although such houses are also found near the Mall Road that goes along the lake. During this period many new establishments were set-up, such as, the electronic telephone exchange in 1982, Television Relay Tower 98

19 in 1984, High Altitude Zoo in 1984 and the ropeway in Modernization of the public facilities such as the sewer lines, drinking water supply was also undertaken. Under a statutory authority known as Greater Nainital Lake Development Authority, the U.P. Government had envisaged an ambitious development plan for a phased implementation in and around Nainital town keeping in view the current needs of town expansion as also the most pressing problems of the day. With the creation of the new hill state of Uttarakhand, followed the decision to make Nainital the seat of its High Court a function which has not only increased the area of its influences, which now extends across the entire state of Uttarakhand. In consequence, a vast area surrounding the former Secretariat building has been converted into High Court Campus with several large and small buildings housing the High Court and associated offices together with many others, such as club and residential areas of the members of the judiciary. Most of the district offices have been shifted to the Vikas Bhawan at Bhimtal. Correspondingly, there has been a significant increase in the population of the town with development, and according to the census of the 1981, 1991 and 2001 the population was 26,093, 30,945 and 39,911, respectively. A number of new residences were established which increased to 5456 in 1981, 7850 in 1991 and 8358 settlements in 2001 census (Table 3.3). Table 3.3 Decadal Population Variation of Nainital Town Year Population Growth Growth in %

20 Population Decadal Variation in Population of Nainital Town y = x x R 2 = Fig Decade Development of Bhowali Town Bhowali is another important hill township of the region. It is known especially for its excellent cool climate, calm and quite atmosphere and luxuriant pine dominated flora which is particularly favourable for the patients of tuberculosis. The location of Bhowali is at a nodal point, through which all the hilly routes of Kumaun pass. Among the major developments in the history of Bhowali town is the construction of bungalow of Gadkasini in 1885 and the establishment of a turpentine factory in 1908 in the southern corner of the market, but it was soon damaged in 1918 by a fire (Pandey, 1982). The factory was then shifted to Bareilly, in the plains of Uttar Pradesh. The town developed mainly after the establishment of a T.B. Sanatorium in

21 CHAPTER-3 Fig

22 The evolution of Bhowali has essentially been as a transport hub, and a collection and distribution centre of fruits being located amidst a fruit growing area. Until Independence, Bhowali was not an important place except for the presence of a Sanatorium, a wholesale market for fruits collected from adjoining areas and a small transport junction between Almora-Haldwani. However, after Independence and especially in the sixties great strides in the sphere of transport development were made that fostered growth in many other areas also. Improved connectivity was therefore the most important factor for the development of Bhowali. Over the course of time Bhowali became an important transport junction providing bus links to many nearby areas. Thus quite a few health resorts have sprung up nearby as Bhowali is at nodal point which covers all the hilly routes of Kumaun, namely, Ranikhet, Almora, Pithoragarh, Haldwani-cum-Kathgodam and Bhimtal. It is hardly 3 kilometres from Ghorakhal, the site of a residential Sainik School. Bhowali is also connected to Ramgarh, an interior area, wellknown as the Fruit-belt of Kumaun, Mukteshwar, Paharpani, Okhalkanda, etc. In this way Bhowali now commands a location, which is favourable for collection and transport of the produce of this fruit zone, besides providing an easy access to the foothill towns, and the administrative centres at Nainital and block offices at Bhimtal. The good road connectivity facilitates import of building material easily from the foothill areas and also provides shelter to large population. In 1991, 84,55l persons commuted between Nainital, Bhowali and nearby areas including working people and a good number of students. The original settlement of Bhowali perhaps developed as a halting place between the hill routes of Haldwani to Almora, Nainital to Bhimtal, and Nainital to Ramgarh, etc. The early growth may also be attributed to its function as a subsidiary settlement to the Sanatorium by providing various kinds of services to persons visiting Bhowali to take advantage of the Sanatorium facilities. Bhowali, the 102

23 refuge for the one time dreaded disease tuberculosis, used to remain crowded with patients and their relatives. Many people only visited to get their patients admitted or to visit them frequently or any related purpose, and in this way many lodging houses, restaurants, market etc. came up to cater to such needs. During the recent years the functions and population of Bhowali have increased manifold because of its nodal situation in the entire Lake Region, through which all transport has to pass whether it is commercial or tourist based. It takes a definite advantage of the proximity of Nainital, which is hardly a run of half an hour by bus and even less by one s own vehicle. With increasing congestion in Nainital and increased land prices and high rents, there is a growing trend to shift to nearby Bhowali, and many people have preferred to establish themselves in this central place permanently or have hired accommodation temporarily. In this way, a large proportion of commuters travel between Bhowali and Nainital each day, which includes people engaged in services, professionals, business class, students and other people visiting to take advantage of specialized services of the town. Since there is no further possibility of expansion within Nainital Township and many areas having been prohibited for construction purposes, there is a great demand for land and houses in Bhowali, which has become the next obvious choice. During the recent years two public schools are being run in Bhowali on the pattern of schools in Nainital due to local demand and a heavy rush in Nainital. Bhowali was declared as Notified Area in In 1921 census, its population was only 1,074 persons (Tyagi, 1991) that have increased to 5,512 according to the 2001 census. The decadal population figures from 1921 to 2001 have been given in the table

24 Table 3.4 Population Decadal Population Variation of Bhowali Town Year Population Growth Growth in % Decadal Variation in Population of Bhowali Town y = x x R 2 = Fig Decade Bhowali which started as a mono-functional town (to cater to the needs of the Sanatorium) is now developing as multi-functional town. Some industrial units have also been established around the town. It has grown as a result of the growth of tourism and is the favourite 104

25 alternative halting place for the visiting tourists during peak season times when Nainital is full. During the last two decades, many sites in the Bhowali have witnessed a quick and large-scale growth of real estate business, wherein outside parties and builders have converted hitherto vast agricultural tracts and other open areas into complexes of modern living with residential flats, cottages, gardens, leading roads, terraces etc. Due to the ideal location of the township, it is attracting attention of more and more people in this field and the process is continuing unabated. Such complexes and living apartments are spread along almost all roadsides in outside the municipal limits of the town. 3.4 Development of Bhimtal Town Bhimtal is another of the famous and fast growing tourist places, which is situated at an altitude of 1371 m above mean sea level in the Lake Region. The town derives its name from this temple of Bhim (Atkinson, 1884). It is said that during the exile of the Pandavas of Mahabharata the Bhimtal Lake was ordered by Bhim to be made, and hence the name of the lake since those times. It is believed that Hidimba gave birth to Ghatotkach in Bhowali. Many temples of Pandava times are present at Bhowali. There is also an old temple of Bhim of Mahabharata times, on the bank of the lake, erected by Baj Bahadur Chand, a king of Kumaun in the 17 th century. Bhimtal was the summer capital of the Chanda Kings and there are evidences of it being a significant settlement in those times. Besides palaces of Kings there were a number of tastefully built houses. The Kings gave due attention to the proper maintenance of the ponds and lakes. In 1638, a pucca sluice gate was constructed by King Bajbhahadur Chand. In 1803, the Gorkhas defeated the Kings of Kumaun and took control over the region. After being under the Gorkhas for 12 years, this region became a part of the British Empire in

26 Fig. 3.9 In the modern times the British were responsible for the development of this region. Beyond the embankment there is a dak bungalow that was constructed in 1886 and at a short distance 106

27 further north there is an inspection bungalow belonging to the government. At the southern end of the lake a small bazaar has developed. There is a masonry dam close to a colourful terraced garden with flowing canals constructed at the upper end of the lake, with the aim of preserving fishing. At the north end of the lake there is also a camp that was established in 1902 for the prisoners of the Boer War. A small sanatorium has also been built in Bhimtal, which though situated at an elevation of 1525 metres, was discovered to be malaria free and considered very healthy (Tyagi, 1991). During the British regime while the British developed Nainital as their favourite hill resort, many local rulers of North India preferred Bhimtal town to serve as their hill or summer resort. The one time royal buildings are either in dilapidated condition now or are being used by school and such other institutes. In 1917, both Bhimtal and Bhowali were under a notified area. In 1923, a Fisheries Development Office and Tarai Irrigation Division Office were established. A Post Office was set-up in In order to provide educational facilities, in 1949 Leelawati Pant Government Intermediate College was opened, and in 1951 a Girls Intermediate College was opened. In 1972, Bhimtal was declared a notified area and thereafter a number of Government and semi-government educational institutions and various industrial units were set-up. It was only after Independence and a few decades following it, that Bhimtal attracted attention for being developed as an industrial area because of the availability of large patches of level land along the upper end of the lake in Anu Ka Maidan, the proximity to a power distribution centre at Mehragaon - hardly at a distance of 4 kilometres and coming up of a direct road link from Bhimtal to the railhead - Kathgodam, that provided access to Bhimtal through a 20 km metalled road. Soon thereafter, an Industrial Estate emerged along this upper end of the lake with many State sponsored industries and a few others under private sector also. 107

28 Industrial development was initiated in 1973, when the first pollution free electronics industry, Teletronix a public sector undertaking was established on 17 th October By 1987, other industries such as Bhimtal Match Boxes, and Hill Packaging etc. had also come up and many other developed in the following years. The main industries Jindal Photo Films and A.P. Industrial Components, Pinkal General Carbon Limited, Usha Refactory, DMD Industry and Solsssen industries were started in year 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992, respectively (Bhimtal Mahayojana, 1995). Other main industries started in 1980 were Noba Steels, Ureca Forbs Limited, Usha Markoni Micro Electronics, etc. This was a phase of very rapid growth that attracted settlements to Bhimtal and its adjacent areas but this hardly lasted for a decade, where after began a process of continuous decline due to the shifting of some industries and the closure of many others. There were factors, some economic, others political and the lack of basic facilities or others that led to the desertion of this Industrial Estate. Presently, this industrial area is occupied by a few small industries, remnants of that booming period, while part of settlements remains unutilized also. In due course of time, with the coming up of a Municipal Board in Bhimtal, the civic amenities also improved and a shorter connection to the plains was an added utility. Thus, with the tremendous growth of Nainital during eighties and nineties, Bhimtal attracted attention as a tourist spot and a possible site to support the expansion of Nainital town so that in peak periods of the tourist rush, tourists could be diverted to this centre and certain functions, partly or in full, may also be transferred to Bhimtal because of the topographical ease which does not present obstacles for expansion of settlements. In early eighties, this process was very slow and sporadic settlements came up in different parts. But with the growth of tourism in Nainital, this town also attracted attention as a possible site of tourist interest due to a large lake with an island which greatly enhances the beauty of the lake. Beside this, a growing craze among 108

29 Table 3.5 Decadal Population Variation of Bhimtal Town Population Year Population Growth Growth in % Decadal Variation in Population of Bhimtal Town 0 y = x x R 2 = Decade Fig the affluent class in big industrial centres or metropolitan towns, to periodically escape from the polluted environment has also given rise to the growth of real estate business in nearby areas. As such, builders and private parties are attracted to the region between 109

30 Bhowali and Bhimtal, mainly due to availability of level land, water sources, and power and above all a metalled road close by. The sites also happen to be in close proximity to Nainital where all urban facilities are available and if one has own private transport such urban facilities are available within a hardly thirty minutes drive. Similarly, one can reach the foothills and the adjoining places within a drive of less than one hour. New buildings, apartments and lodging houses now constitute an important element in the pattern of settlement in this zone. With natural growth, the town developed many others functions to cater to the needs of its own population, such as the Intermediate Colleges, Primary Schools, S.O.S. Children Village and School, dispensary, banks, water treatment system and Municipal Boards to look after the local administration. At present Bhimtal is an important centre of education for the surrounding region, D.I.T.E., M.B.A. and B.Pharma. Departments of Kumaun University, and M.C.A. and B.Tech. units of Birla Institute of Technology are also established here at Bhimtal. The Department of Biotechnology of Kumaun University has also been shifted here recently. After the creation of the new state of Uttarakhand, and High Court with its seat at Nainital, and a lack of level land in Nainital, most of the block offices have been shifted to the Vikas Bhawan at Bhimtal. The settlement of Bhimtal has been added to the list of towns in 1981 having a population of 2,871, which increased to 4225 and 5874 persons in 1991 and 2001, respectively (Table 3.5). 110