Peshwa era water supply system discovered in Pune

An 18th century intricate water supply system, built during reign of the peshwas, has been rediscovered in Pune, generating a great deal of interest among historians as well as engineers of the Pune Municipal Corporation water supply department.

Interestingly, the system has been found in such good condition that the corporation has appointed a committee to find out whether it can used to augment the existing water supply to Pune in view of water shortage in several parts.

This water supply system, constructed in 1750 by Balaji Bajirao Peshwa, comprises huge ducts and underground tunnels originating from Katraj Lake of the city to the historic Shaniwarwada Fort, the ancient seat of the Peshwas.

The

underground water supply system is considered an engineering marvel as it could supply water to practically the whole of Pune then without the need for motors and pipelines, which are used at present.

City Mayor Dipti Chowdhury said that the Pune Municipal Corporation has appointed a committee to find out whether the water is potable and how it can be used for other
commercial purposes and in what way the system can help mitigate the water shortage in the city.

The committee has already started collecting water samples from different water sources of the ancient water system and sent them to laboratories to analyse its purity.