Centre gives approval for de-siltation of Sukhna Lake

Chandigarh, May 30 (UNI) Decks have been cleared for the restoration and rejuvenation of natural beauty of Sukhna Lake here with the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests according its approval for de-siltation of the lake.

The Environment and Forests Ministry intimated the Chandigarh Administration yesterday that they have no objection to initiating dredging operation in the lake, Chandigarh Finance Secretary S K Sandhu said today.

Though the entry of silt into the lake has been arrested with the measures undertaken by Chandigarh Administration, the Administration took up the project of removing the silt from the lake to increase its shape and size. Consultants were hired for the purpose.

With the help of the consultants, the Administration prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for excavation of silt up to 2.634 meter (average) depth by dredging process using grab cranes and disposing of the silt by road transport. The DPR for desiltation of Sukhna Lake was submitted to the Ministry in July, 2006.

The project estimated at the cost of Rs 73.51 crore will be completed in a period of six years.

During de-siltation process, care will be taken that the wild life sanctuary is not disturbed.

Sukhna Lake was constructed in 1958 across Sukhna 'Choe' and is conceived as a place of relaxation, seclusion and sports.

The lake spreads on the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range and is a major tourist attraction. Thousands of people visit the lake daily for walks and recreational activities.

The Sukhna lake provides the longest rowing channel in the country and the 3rd Asian Rowing Championship was hosted here. Its wild life sanctuary is a forest of multi-tier vegetation and a large number of migratory birds visit the lake every year.

The soil in the catchment area being sandy is considered highly susceptible to erosion and this has led to heavy siltation of the lake since 1958.

UNI