Dhenkanal: 30-ft Breach In Rengali Dam Inundates Acres Of Farmland, Triggers Panic In Villages

Dhenkanal: A 30-feet breach in the Rengali Left Bank Canal Division No-III near Lembupala village under Baunsapala panchayat of Dhenkanal district inundated acres of farmland near Lembupala and Baunsapala villages on Thursday morning.

The water has also started entering the nearby Lembupala village triggering panic among the 50 families who live in the village, said reports.

The villagers alleged that despite repeated complaints to the local authorities about the urgent need for repair of the canal embankments, no steps were taken to mend the cracks. The villagers further alleged that the breach might have occurred due to the increased outflow of water in the canal.

“The canal had developed cracks and despite complaining multiple times, no steps were taken to repair the structure by the canal authorities. The water from the canal has inundated acres of farmland of the villagers. The canal borders are in a dilapidated state and might give way any time which would submerge the nearby villages,” alleged a resident of Lembupala village, Makardhwaj Biswal.

“The irrigation department has not taken up any repair work ever since the canal was inaugurated in 1998. Despite repeated written complaints to the higher officials, our grievances remained unheard,” said a villager of Baunsapala, Dilip Kumar Sendha.

Though the irrigation department had been informed about the breach, the concerned officials were still on their way to the troubled spot till the last report came in. On the other hand, the details of damage will be ascertained only after the water level recedes.