Pune: All eyes are on the state cabinet meeting of Maharashtra government scheduled in next week, especially for the approval of 28-kilometre long water tunnel from Khadakwasla Dam to Phursungi, which is pending for last six months.
Citizens are hopeful that the approval would be given as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) imposed due to Loksabha elections has now been revoked. The water tunnel project would provide additional water supply to the city of Pune and also supply ample water for agriculture.
The plan to draw water from Khadakwasla dam through an enclosed pipeline stretching 28 kilometers was prepared by the Water Resources Department. A detailed project report for this proposal has been prepared by the department.
The Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department and subsequently the state level Technical Advisory Committee have approved this project. An estimated cost of around ₹1500 crore is expected for this project. This project is anticipated to save approximately 2.5 TMC water annually.
Asian Development Bank has shown willingness to grant a loan for this project. Accordingly, a proposal of Rs. 2200 crores has been submitted to the bank by the Water Resources Department.
On the other hand, the Water Resources Department is going to close the open canal. Therefore, that space will become vacant and available. A proposal of Pune Municipal Corporation taking over that space in exchange of Transfer of Developmental Rights (TDR) is already in place.
This proposal was delayed due to the MCC for Lok Sabha elections. Now that the code of conduct has ended, a cabinet meeting is scheduled for the next week. If this proposal is approved in that meeting, the work on this project can start. It will take at least three years to complete the project. However, the possibility of the implementation of the Legislative Assembly elections code of conduct exists within four months. Therefore, final approval for this proposal is expected before that, as stated by officials.
The proposed 'Water Tunnel' is 'D' shaped tunnel with a width of 7.80 meters, height of 3.90 meters, and a tunnel diameter of 1.950 meters, designed to draw water from Khadakwasla dam to Phursungi. This tunnel will span a length of 28 kilometers.
Due to this tunnel, the canal capacity will be 1510 cusecs, and it will be able to draw water up to Phursungi with gravitational force. Consequently, it will help in preventing water pollution, water leakage, and evaporation.