Tribune News Service

Mansa, June 2

A major breach was reported in New Dhandaal Canal near Bhagwanpura Hingna village, Sardulgarh sub-division, in Mansa district on Wednesday. As a result , approximately 100 acres of land was submerged. Cotton crop and vegetables in around 15 acres of agricultural land were damaged due to waterlogging.

Notably, this is the second breach reported in the same canal within 20 days. The residents of villages alleged the authorities concerned did not repair the canal properly after the first breach was reported that led to the second breach in a short span.

Officials of the Canal Department claimed that a leakage in the embankment led to a breach in the canal and all arrangements had been made to plug it. Residents said since the breach was a major one, the flow of water was intense. Apart from fields, it also submerged the road between the Jhunir and Ahalupur areas.

Later, the breach was plugged, but farmers are quite miffed. They alleged that the sheer negligence of the authorities had caused them severe losses. Farmers said there had been frequent breaches in the canal and the department must provide a permanent solution to the problem so that they could get uninterrupted supply of water.

Gundeep Singh, SDO, Irrigation Department, said, “Leakage in embankment caused the breach. We have made all arrangements to plug the breach. We have also written to the higher authorities for a complete renovation of the canal.”