- Sukhna Lake
Infobox lake
lake_name = Sukhna Lake
image_lake =
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
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location =Chandigarh
coords = coord|30|44|N|76|49|E|region:IN-CH_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type =artificial lake
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catchment =
basin_countries = India
length =
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area = 3 km²
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cities =Sukhna Lake( _hi. सु्खना) in
Chandigarh ,India is anartificial lake at the foothills of theShivalik hills . This 3 km² rainfed lake was created in1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream coming down from the Shivalik Hills. Originally the seasonal flow entered the lake directly causing heavysilt ation. To check the inflow of silt, 25.42 km² of land was acquired in the catchment area and put under vegetation. In 1974, the Choe was diverted and made to bypass the lake completely, the lake being fed by three siltation pots, minimising the entry of silt into the lake itself. [cite paper |author=Yadvinder Singh |publisher=Department of Geography,Punjabi University , Patiala |title=Siltation Problems in Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, NW India and Comments on Geohydrological Changes in the Yamuna-Satluj Region |url=http://gbpihed.nic.in/envis/HTML/vol10_2/ysingh.htm |accessdate=2008-03-06]Local lore
The creation of the
lake was one of the greatest gift fromLe Corbusier and the Chief Engineer P L Verma to the city ofChandigarh . To preserve its tranquility Corbusier insisted that it be forbidden to motor boats and the top of the dam (promenade) prohibited to vehicular traffic. The lake is fringed by a golf course to the south, andNek Chand 's famousRock Garden of Chandigarh to its west.Sukhna is an inseparable part of the city of
Chandigarh .Le Corbusier had foreseen that the residents of the city would be drawn it for the 'care of the body and spirit'. The city planners were deeply attached to the lake. So much so thatPierre Jeanneret 's ashes were immersed in the lake in 1970 as per his wishes by his niece.The roof of the 'bund' or dam has become a favourite promenade. Serious walkers pursue an exercise regime, families enjoy an evening stroll and nature lovers mingle with children on roller skates. Photographers and painters love to capture its scenic beauty of the setting sun, or the heavily clouded monsoon sky, or the early morning mist in winter set amidst the tranquility of the lake. Even anglers do not leave unrewarded.
Sukhna has a membership-based Lake Club with lawns, a gym, indoor games, swimming pool and tennis courts with both synthetic and grass courts. Boating, rowing, sculling, sailing, kayaking and water skiing can be enjoyed throughout the year.
The lake, which was the venue for the
Asian Rowing Championship s, has the longest channel for rowing and yachting events in Asia. It also has facilities for other water sports like water surfing, skiing and skulling.Sukhna is a sanctuary for many exotic migratory birds like the
Siberian duck ,Storks and Cranes, during the winter months. The lake has been declared as a protected nationalwetland by theGovernment of India .During summers, there are streams of men, women and children from all walks of life offering voluntary service to desilt the lake bed for about three months. This annual ritual has been a regular feature since long ago.
Sukhna Lake is the venue for many festive celebrations too. The most popular is the
Mango Festival held during themonsoons when scores of varieties of mangoes are on display. From time-to-time other food festivals, featuring specialities from different Indian States, are also held here, along with cultural performances.Ecology of Sukhna Lake.
The [Mera Chandigarh http://merachandigarh.org/index.php?news=50] Chandigarh administration has taken a decision not to allow fishes more than 30 cm in size in the Sukhna Lake.
References
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.