India, Feb. 12 -- The state government on Tuesday approved Rs.438 crore for closed pipeline distribution from the Janai Shirsai irrigation project to Baramati, Purandar and Daund talukas in Pune district. Not only will this help bring 14,080 hectares of land across these talukas under irrigation but it will also help reduce the burden on the Khadakwasla reservoir.

Deputy chief minister and Pune guardian minister Ajit Pawar said, "The cabinet has given approval for laying a closed waterline system for the Janai Shirsai project. Under this project, the Mutha canal's water will be released at Warwand Lake. Even the Shirsuphal Lake will get filled by this water. Later, the water will be released into various small lakes during the rainy seas...