Pune: PMC to Conduct Drone Survey to Transform Khadakwasla-Fursungi Canal into Underground Channel for Sustainable Urban Development
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is taking a significant step toward sustainable urban development and efficient water resource management with its plan to transform the Khadakwasla-Fursungi canal into an underground channel. This initiative aims to enhance irrigation, prevent water loss, and optimize urban land use. To ensure seamless execution, PMC has approved a drone-based survey of the canal and surrounding areas.
Last August, the state cabinet sanctioned the Fursungi tunnel project, a critical component of the Khadakwasla project’s right-bank canal, with an investment of ₹2,190.47 crore. This ambitious project is designed to bolster water conservation efforts, provide additional irrigation, and improve drinking water supply across Pune.
Key Objectives & Expected Benefits
The project involves constructing an underground tunnel from Khadakwasla Dam to Fursungi, replacing the existing open canal system. The Kilometre 1 to Kilometre 34 stretch, falling within PMC limits, has faced challenges such as encroachments and pollution due to urban expansion. The underground canal solution is expected to:
- Save 2.18 TMC of water for irrigation and urban use.
- Restore irrigation to 3,471 hectares of land, benefiting farmers and communities.
- Reduce water wastage caused by evaporation, leakage, and contamination.
- Promote sustainable land use by repurposing the canal area for urban development.
Drone Survey & Land Acquisition for Optimized Utilization
The land for the project is currently under the jurisdiction of the Water Resources Department, with discussions underway for its transfer to PMC. Once finalized, PMC will implement measures to prevent encroachments and explore optimal land use for public welfare.
PMC has sanctioned a drone-based survey, awarding the contract to Monarch Survey and Engineering Consultants Pvt. Ltd. The survey, costing ₹1 crore, has received an initial allocation of ₹50 lakh in this year’s budget, with the remaining funds planned for subsequent budgets.
Future Development Initiatives
A PMC official stated, “Once the land is under PMC’s jurisdiction, we will ensure its optimal utilization. Plans are under consideration for developing cycling tracks, roads, and parks, aligning with Pune’s smart city vision.” The drone survey will guide detailed planning and execution of these projects.
With environmental clearance in its final stages and construction set to begin soon, the Khadakwasla-Fursungi underground canal project highlights PMC’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure, conserving water, and enhancing urban living standards in Pune.
