Punjab: Wheat crop submerged due to canal breakage

Punjab: Several acres of wheat crops were inundated after a canal breach developed near village Dharangwala, around 10 km from Abohar. The breach in Dharangwala minor (sub-canal) led to flooding of nearby fields, following which the water resources department took immediate action. Farmers including Varinder Singh and Tarsem Singh Sandhu said that the erosion spread to around 30 feet and affected their wheat crop as well as the crops of other farmers like Subhash Chandra and Puran.
The breach was detected around 11 pm and villagers tried to control the situation, but the strong flow of water spread rapidly to several fields. On receiving the news, department officials reached the spot and started repair work, including reducing the flow of water. The breach is expected to be closed after the water supply from the control point is reduced. The farmers have demanded compensation from the state government for the loss of crops. Officials believe that the breach was caused due to overflow of water following yesterday’s rain, which led to very little water infiltration into the fields, eventually leading to the breach.