Pune: Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil Orders Silt Survey, Removal at Panshet and Varasgaon Dams

Pune, 26th April 2025: Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil has directed officials to conduct a survey of silt levels at Panshet and Varasgaon dams and take necessary measures for its removal, highlighting that accumulated silt reduces the dams’ water storage capacity. He issued these instructions during a recent inspection visit.

Vikhe Patil was accompanied by MLA Rahul Kul and senior officials from the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation and the Water Resources Department. The team also discussed reviewing the lands acquired for the dam projects and submitting reports regarding any surplus land.

The Minister further instructed a reassessment of the hydropower projects managed by Mahagenco at both dams to explore the possibility of increasing electricity generation capacity. He emphasized the need for a detailed plan to address leakage issues at the Varasgaon dam.

During the visit, Vikhe Patil also paid homage at the statue of Veer Baji Pasalkar and directed officials to initiate a beautification project around the memorial.

Officials briefed the Minister on the construction details of the dams and informed him that the NAAM Foundation is currently working to remove approximately 200,000 cubic meters of silt from the Panshet dam.