Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, India, lies nestled at the foothills of the Shivalik hills, a picturesque 3-square-kilometer artificial reservoir. It was fashioned in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream descending from the Shivaliks. Initially, the lake spanned 1.52 kilometers in length and 1.49 kilometers in width. Originally covering 188 hectares with an average depth of 4.69 meters, it gradually silted, reducing its area to 1.5 square kilometers and its depth to 8 feet 6 inches.

During winter, Sukhna Lake transforms into a haven for diverse migratory birds such as Siberian ducks, storks, and cranes, hosting around 30 resident and migratory species.

In 1988, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, designated 228.66 hectares of Sukhna Lake as a National Wetland, emphasizing its crucial conservation needs. Initially spanning 230 hectares, the lake’s area diminished to approximately 154 hectares by 2007 due to siltation, leading to the creation of the Sukhna Lake Reserve Forest. Over time, the water level dropped from 5 meters in 1958 to 2 meters by 2004, exacerbated by significant soil erosion from the 4,200-hectare catchment area, which resulted in 20% of the lake silting between 1958 and 1962.

Furthermore, 2,600 hectares of the catchment area were established as the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, with 800 hectares converted into reserve forest and the remaining 800 hectares designated for agriculture. Overall, the lake has suffered a loss of nearly 66% in area and water-holding capacity up to 2009.

More than just a body of water, Sukhna Lake is a dynamic entity cherished by visitors for its serene beauty. It kindles dreams and fosters creativity, leaving indelible memories in the hearts of those who visit. So, whether you are a wanderer, adventurer, or dreamer, Sukhna Lake beckons you to lose yourself in its enchanting allure—a celestial sanctuary nestled in the heart of Chandigarh.