Pune: Admin Planning To Close Mutha Right Canal and Build An Tunnel Underneath For Water Supply

Pune, November 7, 2020: A proposal has been floated to close the Mutha right canal flowing through the city from Khadakwasla dam to Fursungi and build an underground tunnel instead. After the commissioning of this project, it has been decided that the [expected] amount of water saved i.e. 2.5 billion cubic feet (TMC) will be provided to the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). Therefore, PMRDA will get its rightful share of water and town planning is underway.

The water released from the Khadakwasla dam is polluted by waste and many other factors while flowing through the right canal. Apart from this, there is also leakage and theft of water from the canal. Therefore, to alleviate the problems encountered while supplying water, the canal passing through the city between Khadakwasla and Fursungi will be closed and an underground tunnel will be constructed to carry water. Therefore, it has been decided to give the saved water to PMRDA, informed Vijay Patil, Executive Engineer, Irrigation Department, Khadakwasla.

The department is studying whether to use tunnel boring machines (TBM) for underground tunneling like conventional controlled blast or metro projects. The department has prepared a budget of Rs 600 crore for this. It has been observed that the cost is doubled by the TBM process. Nonetheless, city buildings can also be endangered while tunneling. So, the plan to construct a tunnel under buildings in the city has been changed. PMRDA also wants to develop 2,000 hectares of canal land between Khadakwasla and Fursungi after the canal is closed, as the water saved will be given to PMRDA, Patil said.

This project was also discussed at a meeting of the Canal Advisory Committee held last year. While testifying that the project has not been completed, PMRDA will not be able to get water, said Pune guardian minister Ajit Pawar. He also suggested that the issue be taken up at the next meeting.

The decision has been taken accordingly and a decision on the project is likely to be taken at a meeting of the Canal Advisory Committee to be held after Diwali. As this project is coming under non-irrigation project, its cost cannot be borne by the water resources department. Deputy Chief Minister Pawar has instructed the state government and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to halve the cost of the project.

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