Pull 11 Lake: the disregarded beauty

As much as 50 acres of government land is available nearby

SARGODHA: Tourism has now become a lucrative business and has been gaining prominence in promoting healthy activities. Various places have not been explored by the public. Pul 11 Lake near Sargodha is one of them which consists of 70 acres of land and needs public and government’s attention, simultaneously.

Reportedly, Pul 11 is among the largest stone markets in Asia. Earlier, digging was started at the edge of a hill known as 107 Chak Khajoor Market. But later, water was discovered under it after flow from a natural spring accumulated with rainwater. That spring turned into a small, pleasant lake, which has a depth of at least 40 to 50 feet.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

As many as 50 acres of government area is present near the lake. There is no shortage of water due to a nearby canal and its level is excellent. This area is the centre point of nearby villages and populations. This natural lake is half a kilometre away from the main bus stop, making it easy to reach. It takes not more than 10 minutes to walk to the lake.

Several attempts were made to make this lake a popular place in the past, but the authorities did not pay attention to its development.

On a trek from Karachi to Khunjerab, this travel enthusiast aims to serve Pakistan’s tourist landscape

If the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab and the government give attention to this lake, boat rides can be offered to the visitors. A bridge with greenery around it may also be constructed for the tourists.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

Natural beauty can be enhanced at this lake by constructing a park along its banks. This would become a good picnic point for families with installation of swings to attract children. There currently are no parks in the area for local people.

With a very small budget, this place can be converted into an attractive picnic spot and the Pul 11 area of Sargodha can become popular among visitors.

In this connection, local Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MPA Faisal Farooq Cheema and MNA Aamir Sultan Cheema said that they will put in their best efforts to develop this natural lake as a tourist resort.

Local residents Syed Tahir Shah Bukhari and Chaudhry Khalid Arain said development of such a facility is the need of the time.

They said the lake could become a source of amusement for the people of Sargodha, while also creating small-scale business opportunities for them. They said Sargodha only had a few parks and no other recreation spots, so this lake, which was a gift from nature, should be developed to benefit local people.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th, 2020.