Sukhna desilting begins, IIT-R onboard for scientific oversight

Chandigarh: The UT engineering department has initiated desilting work at the regulatory end of Sukhna Lake to enhance its water-carrying capacity. The work, being done at an estimated cost of around Rs 50 lakh, began on Wednesday. The executing agency has been given a deadline of two months to complete the project.The administration has engaged Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee as a technical consultant to ensure ecological safeguards. Experts from the institute will guide the process of maintaining hydrological balance and minimising environmental impact. Besides, field officers of the engineering department are conducting regular monitoring and submitting progress reports to senior officials.Chief engineer C B Ojha said the move follows a detailed study of the condition of the lake and underlined the need for scientific desilting. “Maintaining hydrological balance is crucial. IIT Roorkee experts will remain associated with the project throughout its execution and even afterwards to ensure the work is carried out under proper technical supervision,” he said.Officials added that, unlike earlier practices, extracted silt will not be removed from the lake. Instead, it will be utilised on-site to strengthen the banks and improve structural stability.Sources said the desilting, being undertaken in this stretch after a gap of more than four years, is expected to enhance not only water-holding capacity but also groundwater recharge. The exercise is also likely to improve sustainability in areas that had previously dried up due to excessive siltation.The move comes amid increasing focus on restoring the lake’s ecological health and addressing long-standing concerns regarding silt accumulation. Officials believe timely intervention will help prevent further degradation and improve overall water management at the site.