Pune: The Maharashtra state government has approved a budget of ₹136.42 crores for the restoration of 31 Kolhapuri-style bunds damaged by heavy rainfall between 2019 and 2022.
The bunds, situated in the catchment area of local rivers, faced substantial destruction, with many structures washed away during the severe weather.
The repair initiative will encompass 19 bunds along the Karha River and 11 along the Nira River, with work expected to commence shortly.
The repair process will include removing the upper portions of dilapidated stone pillars, the threshold level, and constructing sloping weirs at specified sites.
Furthermore, the project will focus on various essential tasks, including:
Constructing walls on the upper and lower sides of the Kolhapuri-style bunds.
Conducting soil and fill pitching work.
Building protective walls and stone facing.
Installing iron brackets to facilitate the extraction and placement of boulders.
Replacing the traditional Kolhapuri gates with newly designed gates operated by a mechanism.
Fencing around designated areas for safely storing boulders.
The repair works will benefit numerous areas within the Baramati taluka, including Medad, Nepatwalan, Karhavagaj, Gunwadi, and many others. Additionally, the project will extend to villages in Bhor, Purandar, and Indapur talukas, ensuring comprehensive restoration across the region.
This significant investment underscores the state government's commitment to restoring essential infrastructure and improving the resilience of local communities against future natural disasters.