This long-pending demand has gained momentum due to sustained follow-up by Deputy Chief Minister and Pune’s Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar. The Water Resources Department’s Chief Engineer, Hanumant Dhumal, has granted technical approval for the proposed diversion.
At present, water from Mulshi dam is primarily used for power generation by Tata Hydro Power Company. According to official reports, out of the total 24 TMC storage capacity of the dam, around 17 TMC is utilized for electricity generation during the three monsoon months. After accounting for evaporation and technical losses, it has been established that diverting 7 TMC of water towards Pune will not affect power generation.
To transport this water to Pune, the Water Resources Department has suggested two key options:
- Direct Pipeline: Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) could jointly lay a direct pipeline from the Mulshi project at their own cost to draw the required water.
- 30-Kilometre Tunnel: Construction of an approximately 30-kilometre-long underground tunnel between Mulshi dam and Khadakwasla dam, allowing Mulshi water to flow directly into the Khadakwasla reservoir, from where it can be distributed across the city.
The proposal will be formally submitted to the state government through the Executive Director of the Krishna Valley Development Corporation. Once final approval is granted, work on preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will begin.
If implemented, this decision is expected to significantly strengthen Pune’s future water security and provide long-term relief to residents facing recurring water shortages.
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