Sukhna Lake's Infrastructure Woes Threaten Its Iconic Status in Chandigarh
Sukhna Lake, a cherished landmark that defines Chandigarh's unique character, remains a premier destination for both residents and tourists. From out-of-town relatives and international friends to locals enjoying morning walks or evening relaxation, the lake consistently tops must-visit lists. However, this beloved spot is increasingly overshadowed by significant infrastructure and maintenance failures, particularly at its paid parking facility.
Parking Nightmare: Potholes and Dust Deter Regular Visitors
Frequent lake-goers report that the experience is being severely compromised by poor upkeep. Sachpreet Kaur, a resident of Sector 45, voiced strong dissatisfaction with the parking area's condition. "The lake parking is in a terrible state," she explained. "It is riddled with potholes and covered in dust, and the situation deteriorates dramatically during rainy weather."
Senior citizens are especially affected by the uneven and hazardous surfaces. Gurpreet Singh, a lifelong visitor to Sukhna Lake, described the current situation as discouraging. "Parking my vehicle and walking to the lake has become a nightmare," he said. "During peak hours, entry points get congested, and with the nearly non-existent road quality, I must exercise extreme caution. I now frequently reconsider bringing my car here."
Basic Amenities Fail: Washroom Leaks and Water Wastage
Beyond parking troubles, fundamental amenities are also falling short. Jagdeep Mahajan, a daily walker and president of the Resident Welfare Association for Sectors 32 and 33, highlighted the deplorable state of the washroom facility at the lake's entry point. "Almost every tap in the washroom required repair," he pointed out. "There are persistent leakages, and immediate intervention is crucial to prevent unnecessary water wastage."
After weeks of inaction, Mahajan escalated the issue to the UT chief engineer. UT Chief Engineer C B Ojha clarified that the public toilet falls under CITCO's jurisdiction, but since the engineering department was notified, the matter has been addressed. Nevertheless, regular walkers contend that the problems persist despite attempted fixes.
Authorities Respond: Promises of Restoration Amid Ongoing Complaints
SE B&R Dharminder Sharma announced that restoration work for road cuts in the Municipal Corporation lake parking is scheduled to commence this week. Visitors emphasize that while Sukhna Lake symbolizes environmental conservation and a deep connection with nature, civic authorities must act promptly to resolve these issues. Preserving the lake's charm and ensuring accessibility are paramount to maintaining its status as a premier urban retreat.
The collective call from the community is clear: without swift and effective action, the deteriorating infrastructure could permanently tarnish Sukhna Lake's reputation as a welcoming and well-maintained public space in Chandigarh.
