Pune: Khadakwasla -Phursungi water tunnel project expected to get Maharashtra govt’s nod soon
Pune News: Maharashtra Govt Approves Khadakwasla Phursungi Underground Tunnel Water Project Worth Rs 2200 Crores
A proposal to construct a 28-kilometre-long tunnel between Khadakwasla dam and Phursungi has been pending before the state cabinet for six months. The tunnel will help supply additional water to the Pune city as well as can be utilized for agricultural purposes. As per the information, the state cabinet meeting is organized next week and all eyes will be on whether the proposal is approved or not.
The Water Resources Department has developed a detailed project report for a 28-km tunnel between Khadakwasla dam and Phursungi, which has been approved by the Chief Engineer and State Level Technical Advisory Committee. The project, estimated to cost around Rs. 1,500 Cr, will help save around 2.5 TMC of water.
It is worthy to note that the Asian Development Bank has offered to finance the project, with a proposal of Rs 2,200 crore submitted by the Water Resources Department. A proposal has been submitted to the Municipal Corporation for land takeover and prompt return of ‘TDR’, which is awaiting cabinet approval.
The proposal has been pending before the state cabinet for the last six months due to the Model Code of Conduct for the Lok Sabha elections. Hence, the cabinet will be meeting next week raising questions on whether the cabinet will approve the proposal or not. Once approved, the project is expected to take at least three years to complete.
The Department of Water Resources will draw water from Khadakwasla dam to Phursungi through a ‘D’ shaped tunnel measuring 7.80 m width, 3.90 m height and 1.950 m circular height . The length of the canal will be 28 km. With this tunnel, the capacity of the canal will be 1510 cusecs and all the water will be transported to Phursungi by gravitational force. This will help in preserving 2.5 TMC of water by preventing water pollution, leakage and evaporation.
