Archive · 27 Jul 2025
Chandigarh's Dry Lake: Poor Design Hinders Water Management
Imagine a lake built to catch rainwater, but it's almost always empty!
That's what happened in Chandigarh's Sector 42.
The lake was supposed to collect rainwater, but it's been using water from underground wells, which is like drinking water.
It's not working as planned because it's not designed to collect rainwater properly, and it's built in a way that doesn't allow the ground to soak up water.
Experts are saying this is a waste of resources and a bad plan.
Chandigarh's Sector 42 lake, built in 2008, is dry for most of the year.
The lake was intended to collect rainwater but relies on tube wells for water.
Environmentalists criticize the use of potable groundwater and the lake's design.
Experts point out design flaws, including a cemented bed that prevents water seepage.
The lake has no system to collect runoff from surrounding areas, rendering it ineffective.
- Who
- Environmentalists and technical experts
- What
- The Sector 42 lake in Chandigarh is dry due to design flaws and lack of rainwater harvesting.
- When
- Built in 2008
- Where
- Chandigarh's Sector 42
- Why
- Due to poor design, reliance on tube wells, and lack of rainwater collection systems.
Environmental Concerns
City Administration
Water Source
Environmental Concerns
The lake's use of groundwater is wasteful and unsustainable.
City Administration
The lake was intended to harvest rainwater.
Design
Environmental Concerns
The lake's design, with a cemented bed, is ecologically unsound.
City Administration
The lake's design was supposed to be functional and cost-effective
- Location
- Chandigarh Sector 42
- Purpose
- To host religious events and collect rainwater
- Construction Year
- 2008
- Original Cost
- Rs 3 crore
- Water Source
- Tube wells
- Design Flaw
- Cemented lake bed
- Current Status
- Dry for most of the year