Dimbhe Dam right canal has remained dry for three months even though the Dimbhe Dam reservoir, also known as Hutatma Babu Genu Sagar, is 99.8% full, according to a report by Sakal – Pune. The shortage is affecting standing crops in 45 villages and 90 hamlets across Ambegaon and Shirur talukas in Pune district, with farmers seeking immediate release of water for irrigation.
The report says farmers have expressed strong dissatisfaction over the lack of water in the canal despite the reservoir having substantial storage. The delay has already caused crops to begin drying, raising concerns about significant financial losses if irrigation water is not released soon.
The impact extends beyond crop cultivation. Ambegaon has more than 200 cooperative and private dairy organisations, around 40 milk collection centres and 14 milk-processing industries. The area reportedly collects between five lakh and six lakh litres of milk every day. With the availability of green fodder declining, dairy farmers are facing difficulties in maintaining thousands of crossbred cattle. The report also says fodder scarcity could affect milk production.
Farmers are demanding that the irrigation department urgently plan the release of water through the right canal. Their concern is that further delay could leave standing crops beyond recovery and deepen the economic pressure on agricultural and dairy households. The report also notes that some areas could face a more serious drinking-water problem if the situation continues.
The condition of the canal itself has emerged as an additional operational concern. Large quantities of trees, shrubs and accumulated waste are reportedly obstructing the right canal. Local representatives have warned that the overgrowth could impede water flow and that cracks in the canal may lead to leakage once water is released.
A delegation of 30 former and serving village sarpanches from Ambegaon is expected to meet former state home minister Dilip Walse Patil and submit a memorandum seeking water for the right canal. The delegation’s proposed action was confirmed by Vijayrao Gavade, former sarpanch of Adarsh Gaon Gawadewadi, according to the report.
Nabab Inamdar, president of the Gawadewadi Vividh Karyakari Cooperative Society, has separately demanded that the irrigation department clear the canal of shrubs and waste. The immediate administrative tasks identified in the report are the decision on releasing irrigation water and the removal of obstructions before the canal is put into service.
