Sukhna Lake's Floodgate Opens for 11th Time Amid Relentless Rains in Chandigarh

Chandigarh's iconic Sukhna Lake has once again seen one of its floodgates open, marking the eleventh time this monsoon season. This crucial measure was taken on Thursday evening to release excess water following incessant heavy rainfall that has continued to lash the city and its catchment areas.

The decision to open the floodgate was made by the irrigation department officials after the lake's water level surged dangerously close to the 1,163-foot mark.

At 6 PM on Thursday, the water level was recorded at 1,162.70 feet, just shy of the danger threshold. The overflow channel, which serves as a critical release point, typically activates when the water reaches 1,162 feet. However, to proactively manage the rising levels and prevent potential flooding, officials opted to open a floodgate manually.

The continuous downpour over the past 24 hours led to a significant inflow into the lake, necessitating this controlled release.

The opening of the floodgate ensures that the structural integrity of the dam is maintained and downstream areas are protected from uncontrolled overflow.

Prior to opening the gate, the Union Territory (UT) administration issued necessary warnings to residents and authorities in downstream regions, particularly in parts of Punjab and Haryana, to ensure public safety and mitigate any potential risks.

This standard operating procedure highlights the city's preparedness in managing water levels during the monsoon season.

This marks a remarkable frequency of floodgate operations for Sukhna Lake this year. The lake, a popular tourist attraction and a vital part of Chandigarh's ecosystem, often experiences high water levels during the peak monsoon, but eleven openings in a single season underscore the intensity of the current rainfall patterns.

Such frequent operations are a testament to the robust water management system in place, designed to protect both the lake and the surrounding communities from the forces of nature.