Committee discusses measures to save Sukhna

Removal of weeds from Sukhna Lake, removing big fish and feasibility of using tertiary treated water in the lake were some of the proposals that were discussed in a meeting of the committee that has been constituted to save the lake.

The committee, that was earlier headed by the Conservator of Forests Santosh Kumar, is now being headed by the UT Finance Secretary V K Singh after Kumar resigned from chairmanship.

It was decided that since the lake was brimming with water after a dry spell, the weeds that are floating on it should be removed at the earliest. Otherwise the weeds could cover the lake, as has happened in the past. A discussion on purchase of machines to remove the weeds was held. Similar machines are used at the Dal Lake for the purpose. However, a final decision is yet to be taken. In fact the members of the committee have debated the pros and cons of the machines earlier as well with no result.

It was suggested that a fish that feeds on the weeds should be released in the lake. The Fisheries Department was also asked to remove fish that are more than 40 centimeters as otherwise the mortality of fish is more. The drying up of the lake in the summer months had caused extensive damage to the aquatic life as well.

The proposal to use excessive tertiary treated water to fill up the lake was discussed. It was stated that the water could further be treated using micro organisms and then released into the lake. However, it was observed that at present tertiary treated water was not even available for watering of the greenbelts that was its primary purpose.

ALSO READ

Life of Pi singer Bombay Jayashri to perform in Chandigarh

Theories of Sino-India war far-fetched, says ex-Army chief

HC rejects Punjab plea on Bhattal’s govt house

Civic body moots Rs 616-cr budget, discussion today