Pune: City NGO Opposes to PMC’s Water Tunnel Project to Connect Khadakwasla Dam and Phursungi
Pune 20th Oct 2023 : A local non-governmental organization (NGO) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed 28-kilometer water tunnel project connecting the Khadakwasla dam to Phursungi, estimated at a whopping cost of Rs 3,000 crores. The NGO has sent a letter to the civic body outlining the drawbacks of the ambitious plan. Civic officials have assured that they will take into account suggestions from citizens and NGOs while completing the project.
According to civic authorities, the tunnel project is designed to address water leakages, reduce water loss due to evaporation and curb water pollution. If implemented, the project could save over 2.5 Thousand Million Cubic feet (TMC) of water and alleviate traffic congestion on Sinhagad road, the officials claimed. The project was approved by the State Level Technical Advisory Committee (SLTAC) in April this year, a decision subsequently endorsed by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The PMC recently initiated a drone survey as part of the project planning.
The Green Thumb Foundation, an environmental organization from the city has vehemently opposed the tunnel plan. The Foundation contends that rather than investing massive public funds into a project that may not significantly benefit citizens, a more economical solution exists. The Foundation’s president, Lt Col Suresh Patil (retd), suggested a cost-effective approach: removing silt from the Khadakwasla dam, which could increase water storage capacity by 3 to 4 TMC. This solution, the Foundation argues, would eliminate waterlogging in the canal.
Environmentalists associated with the Green Thumb Foundation have expressed grave concerns about the tunnel project. They claim that the construction would obstruct seepage on both sides of the canal, affecting the natural habitat and the trees that line the canal. The destruction of these trees would disrupt the ecological balance in the area.
The PMC, in response, defended the project, stating that it would enhance connectivity by linking Sinhagad road to the new road built over the tunnel. The proposed tunnel would be 7.80 meters wide, 3.90 meters high, and have a circular height of 1.950 meters. The tunnel’s primary purpose would be to transport water from Khadakwasla to Phursungi, significantly increasing the canal’s capacity to 1,510 cusecs. The innovative approach aims to combat water pollution, leakages, and evaporation, potentially conserving approximately 2.8 TMC of water. The project proponents also claim that it will contribute to easing traffic congestion, making commuting more convenient for the city’s residents.
As the debate continues, citizens, environmentalists, and authorities remain engaged in discussions to find the most sustainable and effective solution for Pune’s water management challenges.
Join Punekar News Whatsapp Group, Telegram, Instagram And Twitter For Regular Update about Pune City And Pimpri-Chinchwad
