India, Sept. 2 -- Sometimes, citizens live in one city but are intensely affectionate towards another. Such is the bond between Delhi and Nainital. For a few Delhiwale, especially of earlier generations, that British-built hill station commandeers a strong pull in their daily life. Step into Khan Market's Faqir Chand bookstore, where merely uttering the word "Nainital" is sufficient to induce the bookseller, the cordial Anup Bamhi, to chat non-stop about the place-his schooldays there in St Joseph's College, his walks to the Bandstand. if you are willing, he might also list all the Delhiwale who, like him, were the products of Nainital's prestigious boarding schools.

Last week, Nainital suffered a grievous loss to its heritage. One of it...