Infrastructure Update

Khadakwasla Dam to Phursungi water tunnel project – Details, Updates, News

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The Maharashtra government’s initiative to construct a 34-km tunnel from Khadakwasla dam to Phursungi in Pune’s eastern suburbs is progressing, with the technical study for implementation nearing completion.

The project, estimated to cost around INR 1,500 crore, awaits final approval at the state government level. The primary goal is to conserve approximately two and a half TMC of water, and the project is expected to take a minimum of three years for full completion.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pune Metropolitan Area Development Authority (PMRDA) currently hold jurisdiction over a space ranging from 500 meters to one kilometer wide.

In a significant development, the PMC has concluded a survey for a crucial 28-km-long tunnel from Khadakwasla Dam to Phursungi, forming part of a larger initiative with an estimated project cost of INR 1,500 crore.

This proposed tunnel aims to replace the existing open canal system responsible for water transportation to Pune city, potentially conserving a significant 2.5 TMC of water annually.

The decision to pursue this tunnel project arises from concerns about water contamination and leakage in the current open canal system. The PMC is now exploring commercial or town planning schemes for the land along the original canal route, which spans areas under the jurisdiction of both the PMRDA and the PMC, with widths ranging from 500 meters to 1000 meters. Pending approval from the state-level technical committee, the project is expected to be completed within three years.

As part of the preparatory steps, the PMC initiated a survey to identify potential uses for the space that would be created by the Khadakwasla-Phursungi tunnel project, focusing on urban planning or commercial possibilities for areas adjacent to the canal.

The Khadakwasla Dam to Phursungi water tunnel project is a significant infrastructure initiative in Pune, Maharashtra, India, designed to improve water supply to the city and its surrounding areas. Here’s a detailed overview:

Project Overview:

  1. Location: The project involves constructing a tunnel system that connects Khadakwasla Dam, situated near Pune, to Phursungi, a suburb southeast of Pune city.
  2. Objective: The primary goal is to enhance water distribution efficiency and reliability to meet the growing demand in Pune.

Key Aspects:

  1. Tunnel Construction:
    • Length and Structure: The tunnel spans several kilometers, constructed with durable materials like reinforced concrete.
    • Design Features: It includes intake structures at Khadakwasla Dam, potential pumping stations for elevation adjustments, and an outlet structure at Phursungi.
  2. Water Transport System:
    • Capacity: The tunnel’s capacity is designed to accommodate substantial water flow, ensuring consistent supply year-round.
    • Operational Efficiency: Measures are implemented to minimize water loss during transmission and optimize distribution effectiveness.
  3. Environmental and Social Impact:
    • Assessment: Environmental and social evaluations are conducted to mitigate project impacts on local ecosystems and communities.
    • Community Considerations: This includes addressing land acquisition and resettlement issues as necessary.
  4. Implementation Timeline:
    • The project progresses through feasibility studies, detailed design, construction phases, and eventual commissioning, subject to regulatory approvals and logistical challenges.

Benefits:

  1. Water Supply Security:
  • Enhances reliability by reducing dependence on seasonal rainfall and improving overall water supply resilience.
  1. Efficiency Gains:
  • Improves water distribution efficiency, benefiting urban growth and industrial development in Pune and neighboring regions.
  1. Climate Resilience:
  • Supports resilience against climate variability and potential droughts through optimized water storage and distribution strategies.

Conclusion:

The Khadakwasla Dam to Phursungi water tunnel project is a crucial investment in Pune’s infrastructure, aimed at ensuring sustainable water supply for its expanding urban population and economic activities. It underscores the importance of strategic water management in fostering urban resilience and growth.

Latest Updates

9th December 2023 – Pune Infra Watch: Technical study for 34-km tunnel project from Khadakwasla dam to Phursungi almost over – Source India Express news website

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