PMC Approves Restoration of Pune’s 250-Year-Old Katraj–Shaniwar Wada Underground Water Supply System
PMC Approves Restoration of Pune's 250-Year-Old Katraj–Shaniwar Wada Underground Water Supply System
Pune, July 1, 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has approved the restoration of the historic Katraj–Shaniwar Wada underground water supply system, a 250-year-old engineering marvel from the Peshwa era. The project aims to conserve one of Pune’s oldest water supply networks while preserving the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
The proposal, moved by corporator Suhas Vijay Tingre, was approved by the PMC General Body after receiving clearance from the Standing Committee last month.
Constructed during the Peshwa period, the nearly 20-kilometre-long underground network carried water from Katraj Lake to Shaniwar Wada and several parts of Pune through stone and earthen pipelines. The system is regarded as an outstanding example of the advanced engineering and water management techniques of the time.
Over the years, several sections of the underground network have deteriorated due to age, urbanisation and lack of maintenance. The restoration project will focus on identifying, repairing and preserving the remaining pipelines, reservoirs, water tanks and other associated structures.
As part of the initiative, the PMC will undertake archaeological and technical surveys to document the underground network and assess its condition. The civic body will carry out conservation work on structures that can be restored while ensuring the historical integrity of the system is maintained.
The project also includes plans to develop the site as a Heritage Conservation Project. Informational signboards will be installed at key locations, and heritage walks, educational tours and tourism activities will be organised to create awareness about Pune’s historic water supply system among students, residents and visitors.
The restoration work will be undertaken in coordination with the State Archaeology Department and heritage experts. The PMC will also allocate a dedicated budget for the conservation project.
Speaking after the proposal was approved, corporator Suhas Vijay Tingre said the Katraj–Shaniwar Wada water supply system reflects the vision and engineering excellence of the Peshwa era. He said preserving such heritage is a collective responsibility and the restoration project will help protect this historic asset for future generations.
The decision has been welcomed by historians, conservationists and heritage enthusiasts, who believe the project will play an important role in preserving Pune’s cultural identity while highlighting one of India’s earliest planned urban water supply systems.
