Pune News: Khadakwasla-Fursungi Underground Canal Project Gets Green Light From Centre; Set To Save 2.5 TMC Water And Irrigate 3,472 Hectares
Pune News: Khadakwasla-Fursungi Underground Canal Project Gets Green Light From Centre; Set To Save 2.5 TMC Water And Irrigate 3,472 Hectares
Pune, July 3, 2025: The long-pending Khadakwasla-Fursungi underground canal project has cleared a major hurdle as India’s Ministry of Environment has given in-principle approval for the initiative. The National Water Committee recently inspected the site and agreed to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC), paving the way for construction to begin soon.
The ₹1,510 crore project involves transporting water through a 28-kilometre-long underground canal from the Khadakwasla dam to Fursungi. Designed by the Water Resources Department, the project will help prevent water pollution, reduce leakage and evaporation losses, and save approximately 2.5 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water. This will also bring an additional 3,472 hectares of farmland under irrigation.
Officials said the detailed project report (DPR) had earlier received approvals from the Chief Engineer, the State Technical Advisory Committee, and the Maharashtra government in September last year. Tenders were floated and work orders were issued prior to the implementation of the assembly election code of conduct. However, construction could not begin as the central environment clearance was pending.
With the recent inspection and clearance by the National Water Committee, authorities expect physical work on the project to commence immediately after receiving the official NOC.
Key Features of the Project:
- Canal Design: D-shaped underground canal, 7.80 meters wide and 3.90 meters high.
- Length: 28 kilometers.
- Capacity: 1,510 cusecs.
- Flow Mechanism: Water will flow to Fursungi using natural gravity, eliminating the need for pumping.
The project is expected to conserve water, improve irrigation coverage, and reduce pollution risks along the route
