Khadakwasla Dam Pollution: Irrigation department urges state government to check untreated waste dumping in the reservoir

The irrigation department has conducted a study and presented it to the state govt suggesting measures to restrict release of sewage and untreated water into the Khadakwasla dam from the 24 villages located around the reservoir.

The study recommended construction of sewage treatment plants (STPs), laying of sewer lines, regular monitoring of vulnerable spots to prevent villagers from dumping garbage in the dam waters and reducing instances of littering around the reservoir area.

The study was submitted to the state for further action. Officials said they would also approach the district collector, requesting him to conduct a meeting with representatives of the surrounding villages and implement immediate measures to prevent pollution of the dam waters till the state govt decided a long-term action plan.

At present, none of the villages had STPs and there were no provisions to collect the sewage water.

Concerns were being raised over increasing flow of untreated water and sewage into the Khadakwasla reservoir.

Local MLA Bhimrao Tapkir demanded that the state govt conduct a comprehensive study to recommend steps to keep the dam water clean. He said there was need to prepare a long-term plan, TOI reported.

“Khadakwasla is the city’s main source of water. It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to keep the dam water clean. We want the Pune Municipal Corporation, state irrigation department, Pune zilla parishad and the district administration to work together to meet the challenge,” Tapkir said.

Vivek Hande, a resident, said monitoring along the dam should be beefed up and constructions should not be allowed near the water.