India, Aug. 28 -- The Union environment ministry has approved the 34-km underground tunnel between Khadakwasla and Phursungi. The clearance was given on August 11 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and its Expert Appraisal Committee.

Officials said the Water Resources Department has already floated tenders and awarded the contract. Work will begin once the department receives the official certificate, which is expected within a week.

Yogesh Sawant, executive engineer of the Khadakwasla Irrigation Division, said, "The Union government has given a green signal to the project. We are expecting it in the coming week, and after that, we will start the work immediately. "

The project will be completed in three...