Sukhna soars to five-year high

Tribune News Service 

Chandigarh, August  21   

In the past five years, the water level in Sukhna Lake touched its highest  level. It was recorded  at 1,160.40 ft  after its catchment  area  witnessed heavy showers in the morning . The water level  stood at 1,160. 30 ft   in 2012. Since then, the  lake was  facing a shortage of  water. 

Officials said they were happy with an increase in the water level. The water level of the lake was recorded at 1153.25 ft on July 27.  Experts  said with the lake reaching the highest level, it would not dry for two  to three  years.   The officials are expecting further increase in the water level. They said flood gates would be opened if the  water level touched the 1,163 feet  mark. One more good spell of rain is required to fill the lake to its optimum level. 

The low water level in the lake has been a cause for concerns and it was under the scanner of the High Court. The Administration has already restricted the area for boating. The High Court had constituted a high-powered committee to chalk out alternative way to bring additional water to the Sukhna. The cleaning of the catchment area was started by Haryana and Chandigarh.