Deo river canal breach destroys farmland in Mayurbhanj Photograph: (OTV File)
Breach in the main canal of the Deo river embankment has reportedly caused widespread damage to agricultural land in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district.
Following three consecutive days of heavy rainfall, the embankment gave way near a field in Salarapada village under Karanjia block, leading to a surge of water gushing into nearby farmland, said sources.
As per reports, the sudden inflow of water has inundated large stretches of farmland, resulting in extensive destruction of paddy crops; and, farmers in the affected areas are now grappling with uncertainty as their seasonal produce is severely damaged.
Reports confirm that the breach in the embankment has led to massive losses across the agricultural belt, sparking deep concern among local cultivators.
Farmers Face Setback
For many farmers, the incident has come as a major setback, especially with paddy being a staple crop in the region. The flooding has not only destroyed standing crops but has also left fields waterlogged, raising fears of long-term impact on agricultural output.
The scale of the damage has added to the anxieties of farmers who were already struggling with erratic weather conditions this season.
Authorities Promise Relief
Responding to the situation, the dam construction engineer has assured that a detailed assessment of the losses will be undertaken. Authorities have reportedly promised that compensation will be provided to affected farmers once the evaluation is complete.
Meanwhile, local residents have urged the administration to carry out urgent repair works on the breached canal to prevent further damage.