A major breach has occurred in the main canal of Ong irrigation project in Agalpur block damaging crops in over 200 acres of land and sand casting more than 10 acres.
The breach has left many farmers devastated with the kharif crop already delayed in many parts due to delayed monsoon.
Commissioned in 1979 in Ghuchepali village, the project provides irrigation water to nine gram panchayats of Agalpur block besides some other panchayats in Sonepur district. Officials said the breach will reflect on irrigation prospects in 12,000 acres.
Villagers alleged that the breach developed from a small fissure in the absence of regular maintenance by officials concerned. They said there were many soft spots along the embankment and it will create problem anytime. “Leakages have been reported for the last one year in more than one village but the officials didn’t bother to undertake maintenance and repair,” alleged Rajendra Patel of Duduka village.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Agalpur block, Jayanti Patel, has demanded adequate compensation for the affected farmers. She said had the canal authorities undertaken regular repair and maintenance, the breach could have been averted.
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