SHILLONG, July 8: Visitors to the more than a hundred-year-old Ward’s Lake, named after William Ward, a Chief Commissioner from the British era, will soon be greeted with crystal-clear waters, a beautified landscape, and an impressive light and sound show.
With its charming wooden bridge and grassy slopes offering a serene lakeside resting place, Ward’s Lake remains one of Shillong’s most beloved and densely visited tourist spots.
Government officials have informed that beautification work at Ward’s Lake will begin as soon as the monsoon season ends. TJ Enterprise, based in Jail Road, has been awarded the contract for executing the project. The company will carry out a complete clean-up of the lake without disturbing its natural ecosystem and will also be responsible for its maintenance for the next 10 years.
According to officials, the lake water will be filtered and returned after removing impurities without the use of any chemicals. Once water treatment and oxygenation are complete, the lake is expected to become crystal clear, offering visitors a visual experience similar to that of the Umngot river in Dawki, which is renowned for its transparent waters.
It is estimated that the entire cleaning process, along with the installation of the light and sound show, will take around eight months to complete. However, the lake will remain open to pedestrians during this period.
Additionally, the stone path encircling the lake will also undergo beautification.
An amount of Rs 7.3 crore has already been earmarked for the lake’s beautification, while Rs 4 crore will be allocated specifically for the light and sound show.
The lake’s other highlights include immaculately maintained flower gardens and towering trees that provide shade and a tranquil atmosphere for visitors.
