Chandigarh plans water body to protect area around Rock Garden from untreated sewage

The UT Forest Department and Wildlife Department has initiated a project to construct a shallow water body near the Rock Garden to control the spread of sewage water in the forest area for the protection of flora and fauna, Lake beat and Chandigarh Range.

The project, estimated to cost more than Rs 10 lakh, is aimed at stopping the flow of sewage, which has turned parts of forest into a swamp, threatening trees, wildlife and nearby Sukhna Lake.

For years, untreated sewage from Kansal in Punjab has flowed into Chandigarh, damaging several acres of forest and leading to the loss of hundreds of trees. This swampy build-up has not only harmed the land and vegetation but also endangered wildlife, posing health risks that could lead to the spread of diseases among animals. The new water body is expected to trap the sewage flow and prevent it from spreading further into the forest area.

Officials from the Forest Department have confirmed that the tender process has already begun, and construction work will commence once a contractor is selected. Discussions with the Punjab government are ongoing to address the root cause — a lack of sewage treatment. Punjab has previously proposed installing a 5 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) to prevent sewage from reaching Chandigarh, but delays persist. Now, Punjab officials have been requested to provide a timeline for the STP’s completion to ensure the sewage problem is permanently addressed.

Environmentalists and local residents hoped the Forest Department’s action would help in restoring and preserving the natural environment around Chandigarh’s forest areas and this initiative is essential for safeguarding both the city’s green cover and the well-being of its wildlife.

The city’s forest cover has expanded by 5% over three years, bringing a greener outlook to the UT. According to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the forested expanse within the city grew by approximately 1 sq km over the three years. In the 2019 India State of Forest Report (ISFR), the forest cover measured 22 sq km, which expanded to 23 sq km in the 2021 ISFR.

A pivotal player in the increase of the UT greenery is the Greening Chandigarh Action Plan (GCAP), an annual blueprint collaboratively prepared by various departments, including the Forest Department, the horticulture wing of the Engineering Department and the Municipal Corporation. Under this plan, each department sets a yearly target for plantation, contributing to the overall expansion of the forest cover.

Forest turned into swamp

The project, estimated to cost more than Rs 10 lakh, is aimed at stopping the flow of sewage, which has turned parts of forest into a swamp, threatening trees, wildlife and the Sukhna Lake.