Pune’s Water Supply Revamp: PMC Initiates Survey To Assess Potential Utilization Of Tunnel Project Space

Pune, 13th November 2023: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a survey to explore the potential use of space created by the water project involving a tunnel between Khadakwasla dam and Phursungi, instead of a canal. The survey will assess the areas along the canal for urban planning or commercial utilization.

The Water Supply and Pumping Department of PMC has formulated a 28 km long tunnel plan with a comprehensive project report, already approved by the Chief Engineer and the Maharashtra State Level Technical Advisory Committee. The final approval is pending at the state government level for this project estimated at around 1.5 thousand crore rupees, aiming to conserve about two and a half TMC of water. The project is anticipated to take a minimum of three years to complete.

The currently available space, 500 meters to one kilometre wide, is partially under the jurisdiction of the Pune Municipal Corporation and the Pune Metropolitan Area Development Authority (PMRDA). In response to a delay in the project, Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar has instructed the Water Resources Department to explore the possibility of transferring the land to the local self-government body after project completion and generating funds through them.

The Water Resources Department has proposed to the Municipal Corporation to use the space for public benefit and compensate in the form of Transferable Development Rights (TDR). The innovative project involves a ‘D’ shaped tunnel with specific dimensions between Khadakwasla and Fursungi, enhancing canal capacity to 1510 cusecs while efficiently transporting water by gravity, preventing pollution, leakage, and evaporation, thereby saving two and a half TMC of water.

Regarding the ambitious water supply project for Pune City, PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar stated, “This is an ambitious project in terms of water supply for Pune City. The water saved due to this project will be available to Pune considering the increased population. Therefore, the municipality is insisting on the project. A survey has been started through a consulting company to see how the canal space that will be available due to the project can be utilized. The report will be received by the Municipal Corporation in the next ten to fifteen days. After that, a proper decision will be taken.”