Embankment of canal caves in, damages crops

A breach in the embankment of a canal in Odisha's Sambalpur district today caused damage to standing crops in several villages.
The 40-feet breach has developed in the embankment of Sason canal in Khejurbandh under the Kilasama Gram Panchayat in the district, officials said adding crops were submerged particylarly in Balbaspur and Kilasama.
According to the villagers, the embankment of the canal in the Hirakud dam circle gave way in the early hours today.
"We have already informed the office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) about the loss caused due to the breach. The loss will be assessed after the water recedes," said Sambalpur Sadar Sub Collector, Pradeep Sahu.

According to Superintending Engineer, Hirakud Dam Circle, Saroj Panda, the toe wall of the embankment had become old and it probably failed to retain the embankment leading to the breach.
Both the sluice gates of the canal have now been closed and repair work has begun, he said adding the repair work would be complete in three days.