An investigation has begun into the emergence of a breach on Indravati Lift Irrigation Project canal near Majhiguda village under Koksara block in Kalahandi district.
A breach of around 10 feet in the left bank of the canal had occurred on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday leaving acres of agricultural land in the region submerged.
According to sources, a high-level team headed by the internal vigilance cell engineer-in-chief Ashim Mohapatra today visited the site and started an investigation into the matter.
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“Larsen and Toubro - the constructing agency of the lift canal system has been entrusted to look after its maintenance for five years. I have just come here to examine the exact reason behind the breach. I have collected the sample and it will be sent to laboratory for testing,” said Mohapatra.
The investigating team which comprises of Quality Control chief along with Water Resources Department officials will examine the cause behind the breach in the canal and submit a detailed report to the State government.
Notably, the project, inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on January 14, was constructed at an expenditure of Rs 986.71 crore.
It is targeted to benefit 88 villages in Koksara block by providing irrigation to 25,274 hectares of land during the Kharif season, officials said.
Meanwhile, locals have alleged that poor construction of canal embankments and linings was the reason behind the breach.