Sukhna Lake

Current Context : The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has designated a buffer zone ranging from 1 km to 2.035 km around the Sukhna sanctuary on the Haryana side.

Aim : to prevent, control and abating environment pollution.

About Sukhna Lake:

• An artificial lake in Chandigarh, created in 1958 by damming Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream.
• Located at the base of the Shivalik hills of the Himalayas.
• Covers about 3 sq. km, with dimensions of 1.52 km length and 1.49 km width.
• Recognized as a National Wetland.
• The catchment area is prone to erosion due to steep, rugged terrain and alluvial sandy soil.

Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Adjacent to the lake, spanning approximately 26 sq. km.
• Hosts diverse wildlife, including migratory birds like Siberian ducks and storks in winter.
• Eco-Sensitive Zones are created as “shock absorbers” for the protected areas, to minimize the negative impact on the “fragile ecosystems” by certain human activities taking place nearby.
• These areas are meant to act as a transition zone from areas requiring higher protection to those requiring lesser protection.