Pune, 12th June 2026: District Administration has initiated a comprehensive safety assessment of eight major dams in Pune District, in view of increasing climate-related challenges. The evaluation will cover Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon, Temghar, Gunjavani, Veer, Devghar and Bhatghar dams.
The Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) will carry out a detailed technical study over the next year and submit its findings to the Water Resources Department and the Maharashtra government.
The assessment aims to examine the current condition of the dams and recommend measures to improve their long-term safety and lifespan.
As part of the study, experts will review historical records from the planning and construction stages of each dam and compare them with present-day conditions.
Factors such as geographical conditions, structural design, reservoir storage, sediment accumulation, seismic parameters, foundation stability and the impact of climate change will be examined.
"The assessment is being undertaken under an agreement between the state and central governments. In the first phase, a detailed structural audit and safety evaluation of eight dams under the Khadakwasla and Pune irrigation divisions will be carried out. A special expert committee has been formed, and field-level work has already begun," said Anil Purohit, In-Charge Director of CWPRS.
Temghar Dam will receive special attention during the exercise. Since its construction has not yet been fully completed, it does not fall under routine evaluation criteria. However, certain technical concerns have prompted its inclusion in the Central Dam Safety Assessment (CDSA) process, and a fresh structural audit will be conducted.
The safety review will also classify dams into different categories based on risk levels, structural condition and maintenance requirements. The objective is to identify potential vulnerabilities at an early stage and ensure the continued safety and reliability of these critical water infrastructure projects.
