Sewage in the lake
Many houses around the lake have no septic tank, and wastewater from washing clothes and dishes runs into it.3
Case study
Saving Sumendu Lake
Stopping sewage from reaching the lake, and removing silt so the water can recover.
- ~1,050 of 2,800 Households that discharge sewage into the lake 1
- Rs 10 crore For desiltation and rejuvenation under AMRUT 2.0 2
- 2 new STPs Sewage treatment plants announced in June 2026 1
- 1.25 km Length of the lake 4
Overview
Sumendu Lake is the heart of Mirik. The West Bengal Tourism Department built it on land taken from Thurbo Tea Estate, and it opened in April 1979.
Today about 1,050 of the roughly 2,800 households in the town discharge sewage into the lake. The plan is to treat that sewage before it is released, remove silt, and bring the water back to health.
Why it matters
Fish deaths in 2012
A large number of dead fish surfaced in the lake, and workers who cleaned it later fell ill.3
Building without drains
Shops, hotels and houses grew around the lake without proper drains or sewer lines, and parts of the edge were filled with mud and sand.3
An unfinished plant
A treatment plant was sanctioned years ago, but in 2022 the work was still incomplete.3
What the project covers
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Two new treatment plants
Two more sewage treatment plants, so household sewage is treated before it is released.1
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Existing plant
The existing treatment plant keeps running alongside the new ones.1
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Desiltation
Removing silt from the lake bed to restore depth and water quality.2
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Sewer connectionsDemo
Connecting lakeside homes and hotels to the sewer lines that feed the plants.
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Drain screensDemo
Screens on drains that enter the lake to stop plastic and garbage.
Progress
DemoItems marked Demo are examples, not published figures. They will be replaced when the office shares real data.
Timeline
- Done
Land acquired
The Tourism Department began acquiring 335 acres from Thurbo Tea Estate to develop Mirik.5
- Done
Two new plants announced
The state Municipal Affairs Minister said two more plants would be installed within three months, and reviewed the desiltation.1
- Now
Plants due
The three-month target for the two new plants. The office has not yet confirmed completion.1
- Next Demo
Water quality checks
Regular testing to show whether the lake is recovering.
Challenges
What this means for you
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Never throw garbage, plastic or wastewater into the lake or the drains that feed it. Fines apply.
See the fine list -
Lakeside homes and hotels: connect to the sewer line when it reaches you.
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Report open sewage or dumping near the lake with the grievance form.
Report a problem
Sources
- 1 Millennium Post, 8 June 2026: Minister announces 2 new STPs in Mirik, reviews lake revival
- 2 APAC News Network, April 2025: Darjeeling district bags Rs 1,503 crore water projects under AMRUT 2.0
- 3 The Darjeeling Chronicle, 1 February 2022: Mirik Lake is turning into a sewage dump
- 4 Wikipedia: Mirik Lake
- 5 Mirik Municipality: History of Mirik (About page)
News reports are summarised in our own words. If you find an error, tell the Municipality Office.