Pimpri: The long-awaited Biodiversity Park at Talawade and the second phase of the Chikhali Water Treatment Plant, under the Bhama-Askhed Water Scheme, took a significant step forward with a virtual groundbreaking ceremony on October 9, led by Guardian Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Currently, Pimpri-Chinchwad receives 100 million liters per day (MLD) of treated water from the Andra dam via the Chikhali Water Treatment Center.

The second phase of this project aims to increase the city's water supply by 168 MLD from the Bhama-Askhed dam. The pipeline installation is in its final stages, and the project is expected to be completed by June 2025.

In this new phase, water will be transported from the Bhama-Askhed dam to the Navlakh Umbre pressure tank through a 1,700 mm diameter pipeline and then further treated at the Chikhali Water Treatment Plant.

The 1,400 mm diameter gravity main from Navlakh Umbre to Dehu is also nearing completion, with land acquisition prioritized in specific areas by the municipal corporation.

The groundbreaking ceremony also marked the beginning of the development of the Biodiversity Park, which will span 70 acres and feature indigenous tree plantations, creating a forest ecosystem that will serve as a habitat for various animal and bird species.

The park will boast a wide range of modern facilities, including themed tree plantations, an amphitheater, a café, a butterfly garden, riparian wetlands, picnic areas, and waste management systems. The project is expected to attract tourists from across the globe once completed.

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation recently received ₹10 crores in recognition of its excellence under the state-level “My Vasundhara” campaign.

This award will be used to further enhance the city's development projects, including the biodiversity park and water treatment facilities.