India, Oct. 31 -- Eighteen months after being cleared by the state technical advisory committee, work on the long-awaited Khadakwasla to Phursungi tunnel has finally begun, officials said Thursday. The D-shaped tunnel - 7.8 metres wide and 3.9 metres high - is expected to transport 1,510 cusecs of water by gravity to Phursungi, cutting losses and contamination. The contractor has been given three years to complete the work. Once completed, the 28 km underground tunnel will prevent water leakage and evaporation from the Khadakwasla dam; reduce pollution from open canals; and most importantly, improve Pune's water supply.

Hanumant Gunale, executive director, Krishna Khore Development Corporation, said that the environment department has is...