Notice Issued To Pune Municipal Corporation Regarding Garbage Dumping In Mutha Canal

Pune, 26th March 2024: Last year, the onset of monsoon rains failed to adequately fill up key dams such as Temghar, Varasgaon, Panshet, and Khadakwasla, which supply water to Pune city. This resulted in a water scarcity crisis, declaring drought in several talukas across the district. The agricultural sector suffered significantly due to insufficient water supply, adversely impacting crop yields.

Against this backdrop, a crucial meeting of the Canal Advisory Committee was convened under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Pune District, Ajit Pawar, to address the distribution of available water from dams and its allocation for agricultural purposes.

In line with the planned water usage strategy for dams, the first phase of the summer cycle commenced in early March, with the release of 4 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of water for agricultural activities starting from March 4th. However, after 17 days, concerns arose regarding the distribution of water to Indapur taluka.

Following complaints from local farmers about low and muddy water flow in the canal, the Water Resources Department took immediate action. Executive Engineer Shweta Kurhade from the Khadakwasla Irrigation Department inspected the Mutha Canal, which passes through Daund, Patas, Uruli, Hadapsar, and Sinhagad Road areas.

During the inspection, it was discovered that some farmers had illicitly installed pumps, motors, and pipes near Hadapsar, resulting in water theft. Additionally, a significant amount of plastic bags and garbage had been dumped into the canal in the Hadapsar area, contributing to pollution.

In response, the Water Resources Department initiated prompt departmental actions to curb water theft. Furthermore, Kurhade stated that a notice had been issued to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to address the pollution concerns and take necessary actions against those responsible.