Sukhna Lake is located in the northernmost part of Chandigarh, resting directly at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills, which form the southernmost and geologically youngest mountain chain of the Himalayas.
The lake is fed by rain and seasonal streams (choes) originating from the Shivaliks. The lake's catchment area covers a heavily forested terrain of approximately 42 square kilometers, predominantly featuring dry deciduous flora. This forested catchment acts as a crucial natural filter and prevents heavy soil erosion into the lake basin. The lake itself is a prominent ecological zone, recognized as a vital wetland supporting various aquatic species and serving as a wintering ground for migratory birds traveling from Central Asia and Siberia.
