Sambalpur: A breach in the retaining wall of Sasan canal of Hirakud dam submerged as many as 700 acres of farmland in this district Sunday.
The water came gushing out of a 100-metre wide gap and flooded the farmland after breaking the mud wall and later the concrete wall of the canal. Farmers said the breach had submerged over 700 acres of their farmland.
On being informed, superintendent engineer Saroj Panda and irrigation officials rushed to the spot and directed the staff to stop the water flow into the canal and start repairing works immediately. Soon, two earthmovers and labourers were seen carrying out the repair work which is expected to be completed within three days, Panda said.
Later, on being directed by collector Samarth Verma, sub-collector Pradip Kumar Sahu, IAS probationer Dibyajyoti Parida reached the spot and reviewed the situation. They said that compensation will be provided to the affected farmers according to government norms after making an assessment of the loss.
A delegation of farmers led by their leaders Byomakesh Thakur and Chandrasekhar Panda also visited the spot and reviewed the situation. However, the farmers’ leaders and the irrigation officials had a face-off over the issue.
The farmers’ leaders alleged that the situation could have been avoided if the irrigation authorities had taken their warning seriously about water leakage from a portion of the canal. They had demanded repairs and strengthening of the canal wall.
They had also submitted written complaints twice January 17 and 24 demanding canal clean-up. Saying their demands were overlooked, the farmers’ leaders alleged that the irrigation department has siphoned off lakhs on the pretext of clearing weed in the canal.
Later, a BJP delegation led by its national secretary Suresh Pujari and district president Ramachandra Meher visited the site and held talks with the affected farmers. PNN
