2 min readPuneMay 14, 2026 09:20 PM IST
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) standing committee on Thursday approved a proposal for restoration and conservation of the underground water supply system — dating back to the Peshwa era and spanning from Katraj to Shaniwarwada — a decision aimed at tackling the city’s water shortage due to rapid urbanisation as well as preserving Pune’s historical heritage.
Constructed during the Peshwa period, the system is regarded as a testament to the engineering of that era, Standing Committee chairman Srinath Bhimale said, adding it utilised the natural gradient from Katraj Lake, transporting water to Shaniwarwada nearly 20 km away through a network of underground stone and earthen pipes.
The system serves as a scientific outlook and water management techniques prevalent at that time, he said, adding remnants of the historic water channel currently lie in a state of neglect, with certain sections on the verge of total disintegration. Consequently, the need for a comprehensive archaeological and technical survey of the entire project has been emphasised in order to preserve this invaluable heritage.
Under this initiative, it is proposed to conserve and reconstruct the existing underground pipelines, cisterns, and water reservoirs. Furthermore, there are plans to designate the scheme as a “heritage conservation project” and to introduce informational signboards, study tours, and heritage tourism activities for the benefit of citizens and students.
NCP leader and corporator Suhas Tingre has urged that the guidance of the state archaeology department and history researchers be sought for this undertaking, and that a dedicated fund be allocated for the project.
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