Khadakwasla Dam
Khadakwasla is a dam on the Mutha River 20 km from the city of Pune in Maharashtra, India. This dam is one of the main sources of water for Pune. In the vicinity of the dam, there is the well-known National Defence Academy and Central Water & Power Research Station (CWPRS). A few kilometres up the road, lies Sinhagad Fort and the twin dams of Panshet and Varasgaon which mainly supply water for irrigation.
In 1961, the Khadakwasla Dam had to be blown, as the Panshet Dam overflowed, causing devastating floods in Pune. The dam was later rebuilt. The original dam, built in 1879 as a masonry gravity dam was the first of its kind in the world. This dam was designed by Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The reservoir is the source of water for two canals that start at Khadakwasla. The right bank canal (112 km) irrigates about 45,000 hectares of land in Pune district, while the left bank canal supplies drinking water to Pune and Kirkee.
Many people come here on weekends and during the monsoon season. Scenic places around the dam include Peacock Bay, Kudje village, and Neelkanteshwar, located near Bahuli village just past Kudje. The Sinhagad road, bordering the dam, has become a favorite picnic spot. There is a "chowpatty" offering snacks food and non-alcoholic drinks.
