Interesting facts

1. Sukhna Lake is a man-made reservoir created in 1958. 2. It was designed by Le Corbusier, the chief architect of Chandigarh, alongside Chief Engineer P.L. Verma. 3. The lake was created by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream coming down from the Shivalik Hills. 4. It covers an area of approximately 3 square kilometers. 5. The lake has been declared a protected National Wetland by the Government of India. 6. It has one of the longest rowing channels in India and has hosted the Asian Rowing Championships. 7. Sukhna Lake is a designated "Silent Zone" to protect the peace of the environment and the local wildlife. 8. Le Corbusier famously envisioned the lake as a place for the care of the body and spirit, strictly banning motorboats. 9. The lake features a prominent "Suicide Point" (a measuring tower), though access to it is now highly restricted for safety. 10. A massive peepal tree near the lake's entrance is said to have been planted or preserved by Le Corbusier himself. 11. Every winter, the lake welcomes thousands of migratory birds, including the Brahminy duck, common pochard, and bar-headed geese. 12. In the 1970s and 80s, massive community volunteering efforts, known as "Shramdaan," were held to manually remove silt from the dry lake bed. 13. The famous Rock Garden of Chandigarh, created by Nek Chand, is situated just west of the lake. 14. The lake features a scenic 2-kilometer-long promenade popular among joggers and walkers. 15. The reservoir is stocked with various fish species, including Mahseer and Rohu, though commercial fishing is heavily restricted. 16. A miniature cruise ship and various pedal/row boats are operated by CITCO for tourists. 17. The adjacent Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary forms the catchment area for the lake. 18. An annual "Sukhna Lake Festival" has occasionally been held to celebrate the city's culture and heritage. 19. Sunsets at Sukhna Lake are considered among the most photogenic sights in North India. 20. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the lake's water quality and bird populations saw a significant, visible resurgence due to the lack of human interference.