Varasgaon dam seepage repair on the cards

Pune: Steps will be taken soon to stop seepage from Varasgaon dam — one of the main water sources of the city and rural areas — after Temghar's wall.The state irrigation department will conduct a detailed study at the dam site to find out the exact nature of seepages. Thereafter, they will be plugged. Rs2.77 crore is likely to be spent on the study.Ultrasonic sound and other techniques would be used to check the quantum of seepages. The work is being planned under the guidelines of the Dam Safety Act.The irrigation department said the Varasgaon dam's wall was completely safe. Steps would be taken to plug the seepages through grouting and other methods used to insert cement.Officials said, "We will know the exact details of seepages only after the completion of the preliminary study. There are different ways to stop the seepages. The department will finalise the options based on the outcome of the study. A first step for the study is to go for boreholes."Remaining Temghar work likely after monsoonThe last leg repairs and strengthening of Temghar dam's wall are likely to begin after the upcoming monsoon. The irrigation department has approached the state govt for funds for the remaining works.