Pimpri-Chinchwad: PCMC Plans Direct Water Supply From Andra Dam To Tackle Shortage; Aims To Curb Leakage And Wastage

Pimpri, 5th March 2025: Despite being allocated 100 million liters per day (MLD) from Andra Dam, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is receiving significantly less water due to leakage and wastage along the supply route. To address this issue, the civic body has proposed a project to bring water directly from the dam through a dedicated canal.

PCMC’s Water Supply Department has submitted a proposal to the Irrigation Department for approval of key infrastructure, including a canal, jackwell, pump house, sub-station, and internal roads. The move aims to ensure a steady and clean water supply to the growing city.

For the past 5.5 years, Pimpri-Chinchwad has been receiving water on alternate days, despite a total reservation of 267 MLD—167 MLD from Bhama Askhed Dam and 100 MLD from Andra Dam. Currently, water from Andra Dam is released into the Indrayani River and lifted at Nighoje Dam. However, due to leaks and losses along the route, the city only receives 50-60 MLD instead of the allocated 100 MLD.

To counter this, PCMC has conducted a survey for a 9.5 km canal from Andra Dam to the brake pressure tank at Navlakha Umbre. The proposed canal route passes through land owned by the MIDC, farmers, Public Works Department (PWD), and the Forest Department. A separate proposal has been submitted to secure land permissions. Additionally, one acre of land at Mauje Shire near Andra Dam has been identified for a jackwell, pump house, and sub-station to enhance water distribution efficiency.

Currently, the Nighoje dam supply is affected by leakage and pollution, increasing purification costs. Directly channeling water from Andra Dam will ensure cleaner water for residents while also reducing purification expenses. The project is estimated to cost ₹208 crore and is expected to provide long-term relief to the city’s growing water demands.