Chandigarh's Sukhna Lake to Re open Jan 19

Chandigarh, Jan 14 (IANS) Chandigarh's famous tourist attraction Sukhna Lake will be re-opened for the public Jan 19, the Chandigarh Administration announced Wednesday.

The entire lake complex had been completely shut down for the public Dec 19 after avian flu (bird flu) scare.

At least 30 ducks and geese at the lake had died mysteriously in December first half and the samples of one of the birds later tested positive for bird flu virus H5N1.

The district magistrate had banned entry of all people to the lake complex and areas in its vicinity for a period of 30 days as a precautionary measure as authorities were worried that the lake water could have been contaminated.

All roads leading to the lake and areas nearly were barricaded and public was barred from going there.

"It has been decided by Chandigarh Administration to re-open the Sukhna Lake to public from Jan 19," a spokesman of the administration said.

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However, the lake famous boating activity will not be allowed for the next few days.

"The concerted efforts in a coordinated manner by various departments of Chandigarh Administration, including animal husbandry, health and forests and wildlife departments contained and limited the avian flu," the spokesman said.

"Now the lake is safe from all considerations," he said.

The administration has invited people Monday (Jan 19) for a morning walk to mark the occasion of re-opening of the lake.

It was for the first time in the history of Chandigarh, ever since the city was built in 1950s and 60s, that the Sukhna Lake was declared out of bounds for the people.

Besides hundreds of tourists, the lake is frequented by scores of morning and evening walkers daily.