The Union government on Monday approved funds totaling Rs 1,290 crore for two critical projects being executed by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). A major portion of the funding—Rs 890 crore—has been allocated for a comprehensive water supply project serving 12 merged areas in the Khadakwasla-Nanded belt. In 2025, these regions witnessed an outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), which was largely attributed to the lack of purified drinking water.
Water Supply Project Details
The project includes the construction of a 200 MLD (million liters per day) water purification plant and the installation of an extensive pipeline network. Currently, the PMC supplies water to these areas via local wells equipped only with basic chlorination units. Residents in areas like Khadakwasla and Kirkitwadi had long demanded a dedicated purification system to prevent future health crises.
The Rs 890 crore plan covers 12 specific areas: Khadakwasla, Nanded, Nandoshi, Sanasnagar, Kirkitwadi, Dhayri, Narhe, Jambhulwadi, Kolewadi, Mangdewadi, Nimbalkarwadi, and Bhilarewadi. The project will involve laying 71 km of transmission lines and a 390 km distribution network.
Flood Control Measures
The Union government also announced an additional Rs 400 crore to address chronic flooding in Pune's old city areas. The PMC has identified 335 high-risk locations, and work on preventive measures is already underway.
Funding and Approval
Both projects were approved under the Central government's Urban Challenge Fund, which supports high-impact developmental work in key Indian cities. The final approval followed a high-level meeting in New Delhi attended by top civic officials, including municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram.
PMC officials noted that this central funding would significantly accelerate their timeline. With the Union government's nod, the water supply project will receive a major boost, an official stated. This project is part of a broader effort by the PMC to bring equitable water distribution to all merged areas. Currently, similar works are already in progress in seven other merged zones, while 85% of the equitable water supply project for the old city areas has been completed.
