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Regarding need to undertake comprehensive measures to
ensure ecological restoration of Sukhna Lake in
Chandigarh-Laid
SHRI MANISH TEWARI (CHANDIGARH): I wish to draw the
attention of the Government towards the matter of urgent public
importance regarding the alarming degradation of Sukhna Lake,
Chandigarh. At the time of its creation, Sukhna Lake had a
substantial water-spread area and depth and was designed to
function as a major rainwater reservoir, aiding groundwater
recharge, flood control and ecological balance of the region. Over
the years, however, the size, depth and water-holding capacity of
the lake have reduced drastically due to unchecked siltation.
Despite repeated warnings by experts, proper and scientific
desilting of the lake has not been undertaken in a sustained
manner over the decades. As a result, large portions of the lake
have become shallow and prone to drying. Simultaneously, illegal
construction and encroachments in the catchment area of the lake
have increased significantly, obstructing natural drainage channels
and accelerating silt inflow into the lake. Even the Hon?ble
Supreme Court has also expressed serious concern regarding the
deteriorating condition and shrinking water levels of Sukhna Lake.
In this context, I urge the Government to take urgent, coordinated
and time-bound action to remove illegal constructions, restore and
secure the catchment area, carry out comprehensive desilting and
implement long-term ecological restoration measures to protect this
critical urban water body.