The majestic and picturesque Haflong lake — one among the biggest and beautiful man-made lakes in India was dug out more than 100 years ago by the Britishers under the town planning programme. Deemed as the scenic paradise of North East — Haflong an important tourist destination spot. Nature’s charm amidst the concrete structures bustling town and modernization in this only hills station of Assam was once patronised by the Europeans during the colonial period. The Haflong lake initially was a small lake beneath a hill. It was during the colonial heydays when the need of a lake was felt in Haflong for enhancing the aesthetic charm of the place. Soon, the project set rolling under the supervision of Bay John, the then British railway engineer. The lake was designed and dug out in a very systematic manner. It was such a lovely location that the visiting Europeans to the Groveland Hotel located nearby used to enjoy the delightful site of clear still water and gentle breeze under the silent shadows of the lakeside trees with great enthusiasm. Later, JC Karting realizing its importance made some significant changes to the lake by extending its size with stress laid on its beautification and also had a path constructed by the lakeside and trees planted along it.
Haflong – the district headquarter of NC Hills – is showered by mother nature with beauty, greenery and a moderate weather. It offers a kaleidoscopic view of landscape, hills and valleys, colourful people and the enchanting site of surrounding blue hills (Borail range). The Britishers who came to Haflong during the early 1800s and mostly after the completion of the Lumding-Badarpur railway section that passes through the verdant hills of the district, was greatly amazed by the typically salubrious weather condition, topographical varieties and exhilarating scenic beauty of the place. The Britishers endeavoured to make Haflong one of their most favourite hill resorts and as per their requirement they constructed bungalows, clubs, golf course, rest houses, hotels, play grounds, missionary schools, cathedrals etc. Trees were planted by the roadsides, the drainage system was overhauled.
The lake in the heart of Haflong has five corners and its average width is about 135 meters and a kilometre long. It is surrounded by a motorable road, shaded by pine trees. The hilltops, natural slopes are ideal for trekkers and pedestrians can savour the gentle breeze that softly stir the still waters. The lake has three motor bridges and two bridges for pedestrians — of which one is a rope bridge. A park under a tree grove on the eastern side, a small botanical garden on the southern bank and a children’s park on the northern side are star attractions of the lake. The lakeside is also a place where one would find amateur anglers patiently waiting for the right bites.
Though another small lake called ‘Bazaar lake’ of the Fishery department is located in the town yet Haflong lake is quite important for the people. It is not only a beautiful site for amusement but also carries mythological significance for every year devotees immerse all kinds of idols in this lake. At the same time, it serves as a water reservoir for the citizens’ day-to-day use. Earlier a boat house with boating facilities had drawn a large number of people but owing to mismanagement the boat house got completely damaged long back and boating facility is defunct today. The paddle boats lie scattered in the lakeside mud. However, renovation work is going on for the construction of a new boat house having boating facilities.
Considering the importance of this lake, it is of prime importance that the authorities concerned initiate steps to check the ever increasing water pollution. Continuous dumping of garbage, construction of concrete structures on the slopes, felling of the trees, unabated encroachment in the nearby areas have robbed the lake of its natural charm. There is also a need to clear the outlet of water. The call of the hour is a broad-based programme and renovation from the administration to save it from further damage.