Chandubi Lake Faces Ecological Challenges: Officials Plan Restoration and Tourism Development

Chandubi Lake's Deterioration Sparks Conservation Efforts

PALASBARI, Nov 6: Chandubi Lake, a picturesque waterbody formed after the catastrophic earthquake of 1897, is celebrated for its stunning scenery and diverse ecosystem.

Unfortunately, due to ongoing ecological decline, the lake is at risk of losing its natural charm, prompting local authorities to consider conservation and tourism enhancement strategies.

To evaluate the current state of the lake and discuss potential restoration initiatives, Kamrup District Commissioner Deba Kumar Mishra, along with Palasbari MLA Himangshu Shekhar Baishya and a team of senior officials, visited Chandubi on Tuesday.

The visiting team included Palasbari co-district Commissioner Bhaskar Jyoti Kalita, co-district Superintendent of Police Daisy Gogoi, Circle Officer Angkita Sarma, West Kamrup Divisional Forest Officer Subodh Talukdar, Loharghat Range Officer Ratul Pathak, and Kulsi Range Officer Kangkan Kaushik, among others.

During their visit, the District Commissioner and officials took a boat ride on the lake for nearly an hour to assess its condition and pinpoint areas needing urgent attention.

In a media interaction, Mishra noted that he had previously visited Chandubi multiple times in his capacity as Director of Tourism, but this visit was significant as he now serves as the Kamrup District Commissioner. He expressed concern over the lake's gradual decline, highlighting that many sections have become marshy and shallow.

He mentioned that the forest department has already prepared a plan to clear the accumulated silt and marshy areas to restore the lake's water retention capacity. The discussion also included a proposal for constructing a sluice gate at Lokeya Dara, which connects Chandubi Lake to the Kulsi River, aimed at regulating the lake's water levels.

Emphasizing the tourism potential of Chandubi, the District Commissioner stated that the lake could become a year-round attraction, offering visitors a chance to enjoy its natural beauty and boating activities throughout the seasons. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to maintain its ecological integrity while developing tourism facilities.

MLA Baishya remarked that the main goal of the visit was to assess the issues impacting the lake and to explore feasible conservation strategies. He noted that Chandubi once covered a much larger area, but its water expanse has diminished over time due to silt buildup and marshy formations.

The MLA called for immediate cleaning and restoration actions to safeguard the lake. He plans to meet with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Tourism Minister soon to inform them about the challenges facing Chandubi and to seek their support.

Additionally, he mentioned that a proposal to transform the Chandubi area into an eco-tourism hub is being considered, which could create job opportunities for local residents while promoting environmental conservation.