The much-awaited man-made lake in Sector 42 was inaugurated today by UT Administrator General S F Rodrigues (Retd). The lake, which will be used to perform religious rituals, has been constructed at a cost of around Rs 3.10 crore. The lake, constructed adjacent to the Beant Singh Memorial, is 3.25 acre waterbody with two entry pavilions, six-feet wide walking track with interlocking paver blocks all around the lake and two decks to perform religious rituals. The Administration officials said the lake was a Diwali gift by the UT Administrator to the city residents so that they could perform the Chhath puja next week at the lake without any obstructions. In an attempt to save the Sukhna Lake from further being polluted and depleted, the Administration had conceptualised the lake at Sector 42, with a view that besides being a platform for religious rituals, the lake will also be a beautiful hangout place for southern sector residents. “The outline of the lake has been protected by constructing retaining wall with stone masonry to retain the earth and water. Four toilet blocks at suitable places, having six changing rooms for men and women have also been provided”, informed one of the senior officials of UT Administration. “It would not only be a mini-lake for the people living in southern sectors of the city, but would certainly reduce the increasing rush and chaos at Sukhna lake. Besides, people will be able to enjoy a clean environment in Sector 42, which was previously a jungle area,” added another senior official. Rodrigues also proposed setting up a citizens’ group to coordinate with the Chandigarh Administration, for proper maintenance of the lake and asked all the residents to do their bit to keep the lake clean.
