The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a survey to explore the potential utilization of space created by a water project involving the construction of a tunnel between Khadakwasla dam and Phursungi. This alternative to a canal is now under scrutiny to assess its viability for urban planning or commercial purposes.
The proposed tunnel project spans 28 kilometers and comes with a detailed project report, already approved by the Chief Engineer and the Maharashtra State Level Technical Advisory Committee. However, the final approval at the state government level is pending for this project, which is estimated to cost around 1.5 thousand crore rupees and aims to conserve approximately two and a half TMC of water. The entire project is expected to take a minimum of three years to be completed.
The Pune Municipal Corporation and the Pune Metropolitan Area Development Authority (PMRDA) currently have jurisdiction over a space that is between 500 meters and one kilometer wide. In light of project delays, Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar has directed the Water Resources Department to explore the option of transferring the land to the local self-government body after project completion, generating funds through them.
The Water Resources Department has proposed that the space be utilized for public benefit and compensated with Transferable Development Rights (TDR).
The innovative tunnel project, shaped like the letter ‘D,’ connects Khadakwasla and Fursungi, increasing the canal’s capacity to 1510 cusecs. This allows for efficient water transportation through gravity, minimizing issues like pollution, leakage, and evaporation, ultimately leading to the conservation of 2.5 TMC of water.
PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar highlighted the project’s significance for Pune City, emphasizing its ambitious nature and contribution to water availability for the growing population. The municipality strongly advocates for the project’s implementation.
A consulting company has been enlisted to conduct a survey on the effective utilization of the canal space created by the project. The Municipal Corporation eagerly awaits the report, expected within the next ten to fifteen days, to make informed decisions about the project’s future.
