Sukhna Lake's Allure Diminished by Infrastructure Neglect
Chandigarh's Sukhna Lake, a cherished landmark that defines the city's character, remains a premier destination for both locals and tourists. From morning walkers to evening strollers, and visitors from across India and abroad, the lake consistently tops must-see lists. However, this beloved spot is increasingly overshadowed by significant infrastructure and maintenance failures, particularly at its paid parking facility, according to frequent users.
Parking Nightmares and Accessibility Challenges
Sachpreet Kaur, a Sector 45 resident, voiced strong dissatisfaction with the parking area's condition. "The lake parking is in a terrible state," she explained. "It's riddled with potholes and dust, and the situation deteriorates dramatically during rainy weather." This poor upkeep poses special difficulties for senior citizens navigating the uneven surfaces.
Gurpreet Singh, a lifelong Chandigarh resident who has frequented the lake since childhood, described the current situation as discouraging. "Parking my vehicle and walking to the lake has become a nightmare," he stated. "During peak hours, entry points get congested, and with the nearly nonexistent road quality, I must exercise extreme caution. I frequently reconsider bringing my car here."
Basic Amenities in Disrepair
Beyond parking concerns, fundamental amenities have also drawn criticism. Jagdeep Mahajan, a daily walker and Residents Welfare Association president for Sectors 32 and 33, highlighted the washroom facility's poor condition at the entry point. "Nearly all taps in the washroom required repairs," he noted. "Persistent leakages are occurring, and urgent action is necessary to prevent water wastage." After weeks without resolution, he escalated the matter to the UT chief engineer.
UT Chief Engineer C B Ojha clarified that the public toilet falls under CITCO's jurisdiction, but since the engineering department received the complaint, the issue has been addressed. Nevertheless, regular walkers report that problems persist despite attempted fixes.
Authorities Respond with Promised Repairs
Superintending Engineer of Buildings and Roads, Dharminder Sharma, announced that restoration work for road cuts in the Municipal Corporation lake parking is scheduled to commence this week. Visitors emphasize that while Sukhna Lake symbolizes environmental conservation and natural connection, civic authorities must promptly tackle these infrastructure shortcomings to preserve its appeal and accessibility for all.
The growing chorus of complaints underscores a pressing need for systematic maintenance and upgrades at this iconic site, ensuring it remains a source of pride rather than frustration for Chandigarh's community and its guests.
