Pune: Prohibitory Orders Issued Near Khadakwasla Canal to Curb Illegal Water Use

Pune, Maharashtra – The Pune district administration has taken firm action by imposing a ban on the assembly of four or more individuals around the Khadakwasla canal. This move aims to halt unauthorized water withdrawals from the canal, following the arrest of three farmers for illicitly extracting water.

The restriction, under Section 144 of the CRPC, covers a 50-meter buffer on either side of the canal, spanning over 202 kilometres. The directive was prompted by reports of unauthorized water usage detected during a joint inspection by local irrigation and police authorities.

Executive Engineer Shewta Khurhade, from the Khadakwasla irrigation division, noted the illegal activities were particularly observed at the Varwand and Bhigwan gates of the canal’s right bank. “During the inspection with Baramati’s sub-division officer Vaibhav Navadkar and local police officials, we discovered that gates were being unlawfully operated to draw water,” Khurhade explained.

Based on these findings, Sunanda Jagtap, Superintendent Engineer of the Pune Irrigation Department, urged Dr. Suhas Diwase, the district collector, to implement preventive measures. Acting on the request, Dr. Diwase commanded the area tehsildars to enforce the prohibitory orders to safeguard water resources and deter further misuse.

Additionally, enforcement teams have been deployed to monitor the region and prevent any further unauthorized activities surrounding the canal. The administration’s swift response underscores the commitment to maintaining the integrity of local water resources and ensuring their fair distribution.