CHANDIGARH – With a significant portion of Sukhna Lake’s bed exposed by the summer heat, the Chandigarh administration has launched an intensive de-siltation operation, viewing the dry spell as a strategic opportunity to restore the historic reservoir’s water-holding capacity.
The project, which is currently focused on the lake’s regulatory end, marks a significant effort to reverse decades of ecological decline caused by sediment runoff from the Shivalik Hills.
Engineering a Solution
Four heavy-duty Poclain excavators are currently operating on the exposed lakebed, systematically removing layers of accumulated silt. According to local officials, the project is moving at a steady pace, with three to four tipper trucks of sediment removed daily. The operation is slated to continue through June 15, aiming to maximize progress before the onset of the monsoon rains.
For years, the lake has struggled with a “capacity trap.” Silt accumulation has effectively halved the lake’s original storage potential. This forced officials to open floodgates whenever water levels reached 1,163 feet to prevent overflow, despite the lake being unable to hold its full potential volume. By deepening the basin, the administration expects to significantly increase storage, mitigating the dramatic water level drops typically seen during the summer.
A Scientific Approach: The 2025 Management Plan
The current drive is not an isolated effort but a central component of a five-year Integrated Management Plan formulated in 2025. Developed in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the plan serves as a roadmap for the future of the lake.
“Removing silt is a complex, delicate operation,” noted Saurabh Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests. “It is only truly feasible when sections of the lakebed are dry. Our partnership with the WWF ensures we are not just clearing the lake, but managing it for the long term.”
The comprehensive plan aims to:
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Restore Water Capacity: Deepen the basin to capture more monsoon runoff.
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Protect Biodiversity: Enhance conditions for the aquatic life that relies on the lake.
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Improve Ecosystem Health: Maintain strict standards for water quality and shoreline cleanliness.
A Legacy Under Pressure
Constructed in 1958, Sukhna Lake was designed as a vital catchment for runoff from the Shivalik Hills, specifically harnessing the seasonal Sukhna Cho stream. It has long served as the heart of Chandigarh’s landscape.
However, the lake has faced existential threats in the past. During the 2015–2016 period, water levels dipped to a perilous 1,152–1,153 feet, leaving the lake nearly empty. Following recent observations by the Supreme Court regarding the urgent need to protect the landmark, the administration has intensified its efforts to prevent future degradation.
As the excavators continue their work, there is renewed optimism that the current initiative will safeguard Sukhna Lake, ensuring it remains the “lifeline of Chandigarh” for generations to come.
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