Pune: Rs 2,200-Crore Khadakwasla–Phursungi Underground Canal Project Gets Approval From Union Ministry
Pune, 31st August 2025: The Union Ministry of Environment has approved the Khadakwasla–Phursungi underground canal project, a Rs 2,200-crore initiative aimed at enhancing irrigation and controlling water pollution, Daund MLA Rahul Kul announced on Saturday.
The proposed 28-kilometer underground canal, stretching from Khadakwasla Dam to Fursungi, has now gained momentum, with authorities setting ambitious timelines for completion. The project was discussed in detail at Rahu (Taluka Daund) in a meeting attended by Executive Engineer Yogesh Sawant and Manager Raja of Mega Engineers. During the meeting, MLA Kul instructed officials to ensure timely execution and close coordination throughout the project.
Under the scheme, water from Khadakwasla Dam will be transported directly to Fursungi through an underground canal, reducing water loss from traditional open canals and conserving approximately 3 TMC of water.
Officials estimate that the project will significantly expand irrigation coverage in rural areas, particularly in Daund taluka, providing farmers with a steady seasonal water supply. “With around 3 TMC of water available for irrigation, agricultural productivity is expected to rise, boosting farmers’ incomes,” the administration said.
Beyond agricultural benefits, the project is expected to have urban advantages as well. By controlling water discharge and minimizing leakage, the scheme will help reduce water pollution in Pune city, making it a dual-benefit project addressing both rural and urban needs.
MLA Kul described the initiative as “ambitious”, emphasizing its potential to transform irrigation in rural areas while improving water management and environmental conditions in the city.
