Pune Canal Breach Temporarily Repaired; Full Fix to Require 3-4 Days
In a swift response to an early morning emergency, officials from the irrigation department and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) successfully plugged a breach in the Mutha canal near the Hadapsar Industrial Estate on Monday. The temporary repair involved using stones and mud to seal the gap, with water release into the canal halted to facilitate the work.
According to Kiran Deshmukh, the executive engineer of the state irrigation department, complete repairs and strengthening of the impacted stretch are expected to take three to four days. The breach occurred around 3 am when water was being released at a rate of 1,100 cusecs to serve rural areas. Water release will only resume once the repair work is fully completed.
Mayor Orders Comprehensive Canal Audit
Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure has directed the civic administration to conduct a thorough audit of the entire canal stretch flowing through the city, in collaboration with the irrigation department. A detailed report is to be tabled, focusing on critical aspects such as the canal wall's condition, seepages, leakages, and any encroachments that may compromise structural integrity.
Deshmukh explained that the canal, constructed in 1965, has an underpass beneath it, and the bank spot might have weakened over time due to gradual seepage, leading to the breach. He noted, "Prima facie, the breach developed from below. Our teams are checking if any drainage or other lines near the wall resulted in its weakening." The affected area had a soil embankment, which is under investigation.
Water Supply Unaffected, but Residents Face Hardships
The PMC's water supply department confirmed that water supply to nearby areas, including various pockets in Hadapsar and other parts of the city, remained unaffected by the breach, as these areas do not depend on the canal for their water needs. However, the incident caused significant disruptions on the ground.
Corporators from Hadapsar, Magarpatta, Ramtekdi, and Manjari raised the issue in the PMC's general body meeting, demanding a detailed check and accountability for the breach. Hemalata Magar highlighted the hardships faced by residents, stating, "Soil and debris flowed into residential areas. There is a possibility of health problems." Ajit Gule pointed out that this was the second canal breach in the past 10 days, urging top-priority attention.
Surekha Kawade reported that water levels surpassed 10 feet in some areas, affecting industrial zones as well. Senior corporator Maruti Tupe emphasized the need for a detailed inspection, noting that supply and drainage lines are laid below the canal.
Disaster Management Steps Up for Future Prevention
Ganesh Sonune, the PMC's disaster management officer, announced plans to study the entire canal to identify vulnerable spots along its banks and address encroachment issues. This proactive measure aims to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of the city's infrastructure.
The temporary fix has provided immediate relief, but with the full repair timeline set and an audit underway, authorities are focused on long-term solutions to safeguard Pune's water management systems.
