UT plans more tourist attractions at Sukhna Lake

The UT Administration has prepared a draft five-year Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for the overall development of the Sukhna Lake.

According to officials, suggestions invited from the departments concerned, including Forests Department, Municipal Corporation, Engineering Department, Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation (CITCO), have been incorporated in the management plan, under which various activities will be carried out at the lake.

The Engineering Department suggested that silt-retention ponds be developed in the Sukhna catchment area to check silting and weeds removed.

In the five-year plan, there will be no change in the original form of lake, while facilities for tourists will be increased. The draft plan will be presented before the Sukhna Wetland Authority headed by the Administrator for approval soon, said the officials. The authority was constituted for the development of the lake in December 2017. It has the responsibility to promote biodiversity, recharge groundwater, strengthen ecology and resolve issues like sanitation, human infringement and pollution. All kinds of approvals have to be obtained from the authority to carry out various activities at the lake.

Tourist activities are expected to increases at the lake in the next five years with the implementation of the plan. To prevent pollution, the number of solar-powered boats will be increased. Also, CITCO has stated that the cafeteria area needs makeover.

The lake was declared a National Wetland by the Union Government’s Ministry of Environment and Forests in 1988, emphasising the need for its conservation. The catchment area has been established as the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.

The draft plan includes several efforts for conservation and restoration of the lake, including maintaining the water level, preserving aquatic life and keeping the area around the lake clean. Many migratory birds visit the lake every year.

The wetland covers nearly 565 acres with a catchment area of nearly 10,395 acres. The plan also proposes to improve the ecosystem of the lake. The Wetland Authority will also ensure that the lake is not damaged by any activity in the areas around the water body.