PMC Approves Revival of Pune’s 250-Year-Old Katraj–Shaniwar Wada Water Supply System
Pune, 30th June 2026: In a significant step towards preserving Pune’s rich historical and cultural heritage, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) General Body on Tuesday approved a proposal to restore and conserve the historic Katraj–Shaniwar Wada underground water supply system dating back to the Peshwa era.
The proposal was moved by corporator Suhas Vijay Tingre. It had received approval from the Standing Committee last month before being cleared by the General Body.
The Katraj–Shaniwar Wada water supply system is regarded as one of the finest examples of engineering and water management from the Peshwa period. Using the natural gradient from Katraj Lake, water was transported through an approximately 20-kilometre network of underground stone and earthen pipelines to Shaniwar Wada and several parts of the city.
Over the years, large sections of this historic water supply network have fallen into disrepair, with some portions facing the risk of permanent damage. The approved proposal aims to conserve, restore and revive this important heritage asset.
Under the project, PMC will undertake an archaeological and technical survey of the entire underground water supply system from Katraj to Shaniwar Wada. Existing underground pipelines, water tanks and storage structures will be identified, preserved and restored wherever feasible.
The civic body also plans to develop the initiative as a “Heritage Conservation Project.” The proposal includes installing information boards, organising educational heritage walks and study tours, and promoting heritage tourism for residents, students and visitors. The project will be implemented in consultation with the State Archaeology Department and history experts, with provisions to allocate a dedicated fund for the restoration work.
Speaking on the approval, corporator Suhas Vijay Tingre said, “Preserving Pune’s historical heritage is our collective responsibility. The Katraj–Shaniwar Wada water supply system stands as a symbol of our ancestors’ vision and remarkable engineering skills. With the General Body’s approval, the path has been cleared for conserving this invaluable heritage, ensuring that it is protected for future generations.”
The decision is being seen as a major milestone in safeguarding Pune’s historical identity and has been welcomed by historians, heritage enthusiasts and citizens.
