India, April 14 -- Rampant encroachments along the new Mutha Right Bank Canal - which stretches from Khadakwasla to Indapur - on both sides of a 34 kilometre stretch of the 202-kilometre-long canal, particularly between Pune and Phursungi, have sparked serious safety concerns forcing the water resources department to begin a demolition drive within a week to secure the canal and prevent a possible disaster.

Shweta Kurhade, executive engineer of the Khadakwasla irrigation division of the water resources department, said, "These encroachments pose a significant risk to the structural integrity of the canal. A burst could lead to a major accident affecting thousands. We are taking urgent steps to remove the unauthorised constructions and re...