Sukhna floodgates opened amid downpour

Chandigarh, July 17

The UT administration had to open the floodgates at the regulatory end of Sukhna Lake after its level reached 1,162.45 feet late last night.

The floodgates were opened at 1.15 am and closed when the level reached 1,162 feet around 6.30 pm. The danger mark is 1,163 feet, but generally when the water level reaches above 1,162 feet, the gates are opened. As a result, water came onto the road at some places.

The city police had to divert traffic as water overflowed small bridges near the Cremation Ground; Industrial Area, Phase-1 (Road coming from SDM East light point towards Gurcha Turn); and near Makhan Majra (Makhan Majra road towards Raipur Khurd).

In order to avoid any untoward incident, the general public was advised against travelling on several stretches and asked to take alternative route. Due to heavy rain in the catchment area this month, the water level has peaked in July itself. Last year, the water level had crossed the danger mark in late August. The floodgates last year were opened when the level had reached 1,162 feet.

The two floodgates had to be opened in August 2020 after the level crossed the danger mark. It had caused widespread flooding in the low-lying areas of Zirakpur alongside the Sukhna Choe.

On September 24, 2018, incessant rain in the catchment area had forced officials to open the floodgates after a gap of 10 years. The choe carries excess water of the lake to the Ghaggar river.

The lowest level of the Sukhna in the past seven years was in June 2017 when it reached 1,152 feet. The peak water level in June 2018 was 1,155.2 feet and in June 2019 1,156 feet. The water level had remained around the 1,155 feet mark last year. At the 1,152 feet mark, the lake is considered to be drying. — TNS

Water level peaks in July

• This year, floodgates have been opened in July; last year it happened in Aug
• Two floodgates had to be opened in August 2020
• On Sept 24, 2018, floodgates were opened after a gap of 10 years

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