Pune Canal Breach: 20 Million Litres of Water Wasted After Khadakwasla Canal Collapse

A major breach occurred in the new right bank Mutha canal of the Khadakwasla Dam near Shinde Vasti in the Mundhwa area at around kilometer 22, resulting in the wastage of nearly 20 million litres (20 MLD) of water. The exact cause behind the sudden collapse remains unclear, raising concerns among officials. Due to the incident, there is a possibility of disruption in the summer irrigation cycle. According to Executive Engineer Kiran Deshmukh, it will take approximately four to five days to repair the damaged section of the canal and restore normal operations.

As soon as authorities were alerted about the breach, a team from the irrigation department, led by Kiran Deshmukh, rushed to the spot to assess the situation. Officials immediately halted the water flow from Khadakwasla Dam into the canal to prevent further loss. The canal reportedly burst around 6 am, and it took until nearly 1 pm for the water level to recede significantly. Despite continuous efforts to control the outflow, stopping the water proved challenging, causing delays. Authorities are now working intensively to plug the breach, though the exact reason for the damage is still under investigation.

The new right bank canal originating from Khadakwasla Dam extends up to Indapur and spans a total length of 134 kilometers, passing through urban areas. Over the years, large-scale encroachments along the canal and dumping of debris have reduced its depth and capacity. Constructed in 1965, the canal has significantly aged, making it vulnerable to leaks and structural failures. Frequent incidents of water leakage and damage have been reported in the past as well. Officials confirmed that nearly 20 MLD of water was wasted due to the breach, and repair work is expected to take at least three to four days while investigations continue.