Varasgaon Dam


Varasgaon is a dam on the Mose river which supplies water to city of Pune, Maharashtra, India. It is situated on Mose river. It is also called Veer Baaji Pasalkar Dam. It is one of the three major dams which provide water to Pune city. It is located around 40 km from Pune city. The Panshet dam is adjacent to Varasgaon dam, and together both have become a popular picnic spots.
During the monsoon or just after monsoon the hills around are lush green with plenty of waterfall. Water sports are also played in this dam.

Impact of Lavasa

About 30 minutes from Varasgaon is Lavasa whose construction was halted by the Bombay High Court on 7 December 2010, partially due to the proximity as it is feared that it could lead to contamination of water supply to Pune. Apart from this, around 18 indigenous tribal villages were displaced with meager or no compensation due to the Lavasa project. Villagers have reported misappropriation of land through compensation cheques that bounced on depositing and agents that threaten the locals with death if the land wasn't sold to them. Some were relocated to hill tops where Varasgaon water was then supplied to them by tankers.