In a strategic collaboration aimed at safeguarding the water quality of Khadakwasla Dam, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) have joined forces to establish a cutting-edge Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in the villages along the backwaters of the dam. The initiative is a response to the escalating sewage flow into the dam, necessitating urgent intervention to preserve the vital water source for Pune city.
The area spanning from Khadakwasla to Panshet, surrounding the dam, has experienced significant development on both sides. Numerous housing complexes, hotels, and farmhouses dot this region, contributing to the mounting sewage discharge into the Mutha River and subsequently contaminating the Khadakwasla Dam. The heightened urbanisation in the vicinity has accentuated the need for proactive measures to mitigate environmental degradation.
Notably, almost 23 villages fall within the catchment area of the dam, compounding the challenge of untreated sewage entering the water reservoir. Recognising the financial constraints faced by the Gram Panchayat in independently funding the establishment of an STP, the state government has directed the PMC and PMRDA to collaborate on this critical initiative.
Kunal Khemnar, additional commissioner, said, “The issue of dam water contamination was raised in a recently held canal committee meeting. As per the discussion and the directives of the State Government, we will conduct meetings with the PMRDA officials to draft a comprehensive plan and implement the project. Both agencies will share the project cost equally.”
The joint effort aims to curb the flow of untreated sewage into Khadakwasla Dam, which serves as a primary water source for Pune city. The envisioned STP will play a pivotal role in treating the sewage generated by the burgeoning infrastructure around the dam, fostering environmental sustainability and maintaining water quality standards.
This strategic alliance underscores a shared commitment between PMC and PMRDA to address the environmental impact of rapid urbanisation. As the collaboration progresses, the establishment of the STP is expected to set a precedent for effective public-private cooperation in resolving critical environmental challenges, ensuring the long-term resilience of Pune’s water resources.
