Chandigarh, June 14 -- The unrelenting heat gripping Chandigarh has caused Sukhna Lake's water level to drop to 1,156.35, one foot lower than the 1,157 feet recorded on May 15.

A senior officer of the UT administration attributed the decline to increase in evaporation amid the hot weather. On the bright side, the current weather conditions are ideal for desilting as large portions of the lake bed have dried up, particularly near the regulator end, with the dry bed is now visible.

The official added that silt accumulation remained a significant environmental concern that must be addressed urgently. Despite the drop, there is still enough water for boating, the officer assured.

He noted that low water levels during summer were not unusua...