Pune, 14th September 2026: Large quantities of waste and sewage flowing into the new Khadakwasla canal near Uruli Kanchan have severely polluted the water, raising concerns about the safety of drinking water supplied to the village and other areas downstream.
The Khadakwasla canal carries water from the Khadakwasla dam system towards Indapur for both agricultural and drinking purposes. As the canal passes through Pune city and nearby urban areas, residents frequently dump garbage and other waste into the water, affecting its quality.
The problem becomes more serious after the canal leaves the city, particularly in areas beyond Fursungi, where it remains open. Plastic bags, thermocol, clothes and other waste are reportedly being thrown into the canal, turning the water increasingly polluted. Villages that depend on the canal and local water-supply schemes are consequently facing concerns over the quality of their drinking-water sources.
Residents say that water-treatment facilities operated by some gram panchayats are not adequately equipped to deal with such heavily contaminated water. The continued use of polluted water could increase the risk of water-borne illnesses and create a serious public-health concern for people living in the affected villages.
Residents have questioned why the Khadakwasla Canal Department and local administration have not taken stronger measures to prevent waste from entering the canal. A project to carry water from Khadakwasla Dam to Fursungi through closed pipelines has already been approved and work is underway.
However, the canal beyond Fursungi continues to remain open, leaving downstream villages vulnerable to contamination. Residents are now seeking immediate action to stop dumping along the canal, improve monitoring and ensure that water supplied for drinking is properly treated before reaching households.