UT to clean Sukhna Choe for Rs 1.37 crore

The official said the wild grass would be removed so that it does not come in the way of water during the rainy season. Along with this, protection of plantation on sides of the choe against weather and insects would also be carried out. If the cleaning work is not taken up, it can lead to flooding in Baltana area of Mohali district.

“In fact, cleaning work would be carried out in the area by engineering wing and the forest department. The process had been started to complete the cleaning work of the choe before the monsoon.The forest department would clean the area in the Mani Majra block,” a senior official said.

When the water level of Sukhna Lake reaches the danger mark, its flood gates are opened and all the water of the lake passes through Sukhna Choe due to which the department has to get it cleaned before the monsoon. Last year too, the water level of the lake reached close to the danger mark several times, due to which the department had to open the flood gates of the lake several times.

On August 23, 2020, the excess water released from Sukhna Lake caused havoc in Baltana and other parts of Zirakpur. The water came gushing into Baltana, partially submerging a police post, marriage palaces, a municipal park, dairies and the cremation ground.

After passing through the city, the Sukhna Choe water entered Ghaggar river near Zirakpur.