The prediction of the Met department that monsoons would not hit north India before July has the tourism authorities in the city sweating.
The department of tourism is apprehending that if mercury continues to hover around its present mark for the next 10-15 days, there would be no water available in the Sukhna Lake to keep boats floating smoothly.
"As of now, boats often hit the lake bottom due to inadequate water. If the situation persists, we would not be in a position to allow continuation of boating after the third week of June. We are bound to continue boating even under these circumstances, as many other revenue-generating units at the lake would become un-operational if we stop it altogether," said an officer of the tourism department.
On the other hand, AK Malhotra, general manager, Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation Limited (CITCO), the body which oversees the boating operations at the lake, said, "We would try our level best to continue boating till it is possible and feasible."
Asked that for how long boating would continue in Sukhna, Malhotra expressed inability to forecast the scenario for coming days.
Owing to inadequate water, the authorities on Monday had shifted the boats to an area near the watch tower, also known as 'suicide point', as the water level in that area is comparatively high.
Another official, who oversees the boating operations in Sukhna, said chances of Sukhna filling up before July 15 are not very bright even if monsoons hit the region in the first week next month.
Owing to inadequate water, the authorities on Monday had shifted the boats to an area near the watch tower, also known as 'suicide point', as the water level in that area is comparatively high.
Another official, who oversees the boating operations in Sukhna, said chances of Sukhna filling up before July 15 are not very bright even if monsoons hit the region in the first week next month.
"Owing to flow of silt in the lake catchment area, water from first two-three heavy rainfalls is diverted away from the lake. Even if monsoons arrive by the first week of July, it would take eight to 10 days to fill the lake," he added.