Chandigarh Chimes IV: Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Lake is the only prominent water body in the city of Chandigarh. It is a go to place for both locals and visitors, for the abundant nature that it offers within the city limits. In the mornings and evenings you can see the city people walking along the lake and during the day you can see visitors sitting by the lake and enjoying various activities here. You can do boating, admire the sails, look at the oldest tree now called the heritage tree of the city, do shopping at sovenir shops and enjoy the coffee at its coffee shop.

Shivalik hills form the backdrop of the lake reminding you that you are in the foothills of the Himalayas. At the back of the Lake there is a wetland where you can meet lots of migratory birds. The lake area has been extended lately and the walking track around it almost 2.2 kms with periodic markings. As you walk you can see many couples enjoying their companionship by the lake, many tourists sitting with their luggage and soaking in the environment and loners contemplating as if there is no one around.

Garden of silence is a new development around the lake. It is a designed garden with stepped layers around the statue of Buddha in a meditative pose. I was there around 9:00 AM and it was almost deserted but I was told that early morning you can find it full of people doing yoga and meditation and the place is absolutely silent even then.

There are many plants along the lake that you can admire, but what stands out in my memory is the huge steel sculpture with the insignia of the city – extended hand, declaring the city as a city of peace. Now I have not seen well-maintained public installations in many place in the country. You can also rent a bicycle from Lake to go around the city – that continues to be cycle friendly as ever.

My childhood memories of this lake include Shram Daan or public service at the Lake every year. This is a man made lake that was made along with the city and it used to get silt that had to be removed every year. As school kids we used to go every year, stand on the bed of the lake and remove the silt. And not just us, everyone used to go and contribute to this effort. To my mind it remains the best example of public participation in maintaining a public place. People used to feel proud of doing their bit to clean the lake and newspapers used to publish pictures of people doing shram daan every day till it was on. The tourism officer informed me that lately that tradition has been stopped as the lake has been extended and silting has been controlled and whatever little needs to be done is mechanized now. He also felt that youngsters these days are not too motivated to do hard labor.

Do visit this bundle of nature as and when you are in Chandigarh.