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Sukhna Lake Drying Up: Emergency Meeting Called
8 Apr
Summary
- Sukhna Lake's water level drops significantly, causing early drying.
- Experts and authorities meet to discuss urgent corrective measures.
- Siltation has reduced the lake's original water storage capacity by half.
Sukhna Lake is facing an unprecedented early dry spell, with parts of the lakebed showing visible cracks before the onset of peak summer. The water level has receded to 1,159 feet, a worrying sign as temperatures remain relatively lower than previous years. This situation has triggered an emergency meeting of the Chandigarh Wetland Authority to discuss corrective steps.
WWF-India and the Wildlife Institute of India are collaborating with local departments on solutions, including desiltation. A comprehensive management plan for 2025-2030 aims to conserve the 565-acre wetland by controlling siltation and increasing water storage. Key initiatives involve soil and moisture conservation in the catchment area and defining a "silt load threshold".
The Supreme Court has previously voiced strong concerns over Sukhna Lake's deteriorating condition, noting it is "on the verge of destruction" due to illegal constructions in its catchment area. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had previously declared the lake a "legal entity" in 2020, recognizing its rights for survival and preservation.
Continuous silt accumulation over the past 20 years, with no major desilting operations, has drastically reduced the lake's storage capacity from its original 1,074 Ham to less than half. The proposed corrective measures focus on sustainable desilting, catchment conservation, and effective water level regulation to ensure the lake's ecological health.
