Sukhna lake, the 'lifeline' of the city of Chandigarh, was thrown open to visitors after a month on Monday. The popular tourist spot was shut down in the wake of the avian flu threat that came to light after a sample of dead goose tested positive for the deadly virus on December 16. Vijay Kumar Dev, Adviser to Administrator early in the morning declared the lake area open with handful of morning walkers and officials who braved the dense fog. The jogger's track along the lake, cafeteria, restaurant and other recreational facilities, all have been thrown open.
But there would be a warning of caution till March. No boating or any other water sport would be possible since the migratory birds stay in the lake area during winters, and the threat of bird flu remains, said Dr lovlesh Kumar Gupta, joint director of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries department. Besides, the entire lake would remain under surveillance for two months more as par ‘Action Plan 2012’, added Gupta. He said they would continue to collect 50 to 60 water samples after fortnight from lake and other adjoining areas for testing as precautionary measures.
However, the Chandigarh administration has put sign boards asking the visitors not to go close to the lake, and the stairs leading to the water have been barricaded. Also, the administration has installed hoardings at the entry and exit points informing the public about safety measures. Due to the bird flu scare, the 100-odd geese reared in the lake sanctuary had to be culled and have been buried on the island of the lake itself. The administration has also carried out a door-to door survey of the households with a three-kilometer radius of the sanctuary, to check for symptoms of flu. From now on, geese will not be reared, as a precautionary measure. The Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation (CITCO) are now working on a series of events to bring Sukhna back to life.