Chandigarh's Sukhna Lake Faces Drying Threat, Administration Plans Urgent De-siltation
In a concerning development for Chandigarh's iconic Sukhna Lake, portions near the regulatory end are exhibiting signs of drying up, prompting immediate action from the UT administration. At a recent meeting of the Chandigarh Wetland Authority, officials resolved to undertake a targeted de-siltation exercise to address the issue while ensuring the protection of the lake's vital bird habitat.
Expert-Led Strategy for Lake Conservation
A senior UT official confirmed that a detailed plan is currently being prepared and will be implemented shortly. The areas identified for de-siltation will be carefully demarcated to minimize ecological disruption. To assess the ground situation comprehensively, field visits by experts from various organizations and UT departments are also being planned.
The administration has enlisted the expertise of prominent conservation bodies, including WWF-India and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). These experts, alongside local stakeholders such as the forest and engineering departments, are collaborating to devise suitable measures, with de-siltation being a key component of the strategy.
Reassurance on Lake's Overall Health
Despite the visible drying at the regulatory end, the official sought to allay fears of the lake drying up entirely. "The regulatory end is likely to be affected more, but the main lake area will not dry up," the official stated. "Water levels typically decline during the summer months, yet the chances of Sukhna Lake drying up completely are minimal." This reassurance underscores the administration's focus on preventive maintenance rather than crisis management.
Summer Heat Intensifies in Chandigarh
Coinciding with the lake's challenges, summer conditions have tightened their grip on Chandigarh. On Wednesday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 38.1°C, which is three degrees above the normal range, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The minimum temperature settled at 16°C, five degrees below normal, creating a stark contrast between day and night temperatures.
The IMD forecast indicates that daytime temperatures are likely to rise further to between 37°C and 39°C over the next two to three days before experiencing a marginal dip. Meanwhile, minimum temperatures are expected to gradually climb, hovering between 17°C and 19°C. With temperatures climbing above normal, the IMD has advised residents to take precautions against heat exposure, particularly during peak afternoon hours, as summer intensifies in the region.
This combination of environmental conservation efforts and weather advisories highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by Chandigarh during the summer season, emphasizing the importance of sustainable management for both natural resources and public health.
