Khadakwasla model to be replicated at the national level

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Lt.Col Suresh Patil (retd)

We a section of ExServicemen are committed to battle the water shortage here in Maharashtra (India) .With the personal Indulgence of Hon. Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister) and support from the Indian Army , the work of Rejuvenation of the Khadakwasla dam in Pune, Maharashtra is going full steam. The De-Silting project is assuming a status of a role Model for the Country.

Green Thumb Environment Protection group is an ex-servicemen NGO involved in Eco-restoration activity in and around Pune for last two decades. Lately since 2012 April we have embarked upon de-Silting of Khadakwasla dam and tree plantation in its catchment area .We are successfully carrying out CAT (CATCHMENT AREA TREATMENT) , to ensure the silt doesn’t run down into the lake. So far we have been able to remove approx. TEN LAKH truck load of soil and gainfully using it for tree plantation and for distribution for public at large and the farmers. We are carrying out tree plantation with peoples participation and have planted TWO LAKH odd trees so far, We propose to plant one sapling per Punite under “EACH ONE PLANT ONE “ campaign.

Its uniqueness and its execution at a functional level is extremely difficult, as all odds are against it .We have an enormous task of carrying out CAT .

It is to reiterate that by removing silt accumulated over last 133 years , ever since the dam was built. The benefits of the activity are as under:-

a) Due to De-silting, the water collection capacity in the lake has increased cost effectively by half TMC much needed for requirements as under. : –

· Drinking purposes for ever increasing population of Pune.

· For Agricultural, Industrial and for Construction etc.

b) The De-Silted quality soil is as good as manure/fertiliser and therefore is being distributed free of cost to farmers to be used in their fields there by increasing their crop/fruits/vegetable yield.

c) We are claiming Carbon Credit by massive tree plantation along the lake in open areas, and get reimbursement from International body on the investment done.

d) We have Increased Green Cover for Pune city and for Pune district.

e) Preventive measures to arrest soil erosion in the catchment areas.

f) We are in process of creating a Bird Habitat by planting trees that will attract bird life.

g) We are carrying out-much needed and neglected C.A.T. (catchment Area Treatment) Creating a ” urban wilderness”.

i ) Protecting the Govt. land and retrieving it from the encroachers

j) Revenue generation by way of sale of timber in the future

k) Creating an asset for the Country.

l) A great potential to become a CSR role-model for the country

m) The Khadakwasla valley is developing automatically into a tourist destination.
n) Great potential to trigger Green Agriculture revolution.
o) The revival of Dams (de-silting) in the country will be much cheaper than connecting the rivers

p) By de-silting of Khadakwasla dam new dam for Pune city is not required to be constructed ,saving of approx. Rs 500 cr. for the Govt./ tax payer.

q) The dam lake front, is being developed on the lines of Sabarmati river front (Ahmadabad)

In The benefits mentioned above are being replicated at a NATIONAL level ( Desilt eight non Gangetic dams)and five Dams in the state of Maharashtra.. As most of the dams in India from Bhakranangal in the north to Periyar dam in the south are silted and they need to be De- silted and protected.