Pune : In a concerted effort to safeguard the water quality of Khadakwasla Dam, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) have announced plans to establish a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in the villages along the backwaters of the dam. The initiative aims to curb the discharge of untreated sewage into the dam and address the growing pollution concerns.
The area surrounding Khadakwasla Dam, stretching from Khadakwasla to Panshet, has experienced significant development on both sides. Numerous housing complexes, hotels, and farmhouses have emerged near the dam, contributing to the sewage flow into the Mutha River, ultimately affecting the water quality of Khadakwasla Dam.
Approximately 23 villages are situated in the catchment area of the dam, and the Gram Panchayat, responsible for the villages, is unable to bear the cost of establishing a Sewage Treatment Plant. In response to this challenge, the state government has directed the PMC and PMRDA to collaborate on implementing measures to control sewage discharge into the dam, a critical water source for Pune city.
Kunal Khemnar, Additional Commissioner, stated, “The issue of dam water contamination was raised in a recently held canal committee meeting. Following the discussion and directives from the state government, we will conduct meetings with PMRDA officials to draft a comprehensive plan and implement the project. Both agencies will share the project cost equally.”
This joint initiative reflects a commitment to preserving the ecological integrity of Khadakwasla Dam and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of clean water to Pune city. The STP project is poised to become a significant step in mitigating environmental hazards caused by untreated sewage discharge.
