Leakage from the Right Mutha Canal, which carries water from Khadakwasla Dam through Pune, is reportedly wasting lakhs of litres of water while the city is facing water cuts and lower reservoir storage. Sajag Nagrik Manch has criticised the Water Resources Department for failing to repair the canal, according to a report by Sakal – Pune.
The Right Mutha Canal is controlled by the Water Resources Department and supplies water for agriculture in parts of Pune district. The canal originates at Khadakwasla Dam and passes through Pune city before carrying water towards areas including Daund and Indapur.
Sajag Nagrik Manch has alleged that water is leaking at several locations along the canal and that the department has neglected necessary repairs. The civic group also criticised what it described as the department’s repeated scrutiny of Pune Municipal Corporation’s water use while overlooking leakage from infrastructure under its own control.
The report comes as Pune’s water availability is under pressure. Rainfall this year has been lower than last year, and the reservoir is reported to hold five TMC less water than during the corresponding period last year. Pune Municipal Corporation has started water cuts in the city against this backdrop.
The Right Mutha Canal has been operating since July, and more than 10 TMC of water has been made available through it for areas including Daund and Indapur, the report said. The reported leakage therefore affects a canal that is being used to move a substantial volume of water beyond Pune’s urban area for agricultural supply.
The issue highlights the operational importance of maintaining open water infrastructure during a period of constrained supply. Leakage from a canal can reduce the volume reaching its intended users, although the supplied report does not quantify the exact loss or identify the specific locations and causes of the leaks.
The report did not include a response from the Water Resources Department on the allegations, nor did it specify a repair schedule, estimated restoration cost or timeline for addressing the leakage. The next official step would be clarification from the department on the condition of the canal and the action planned at the affected locations.
