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Breach in canal damages houses, floods farmland in Bathinda

Bathinda: Two city localities and tracts of farmland were flooded and several houses damaged when a 30-feet breach developed in the Sirhind canal running along the city. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has ordered an inquiry into the breach. He also asked the district administration to seek the help of Army which was immediately called in to plug the breach along with engineers of state irrigation department.

According to reports, a small breach was witnessed by some morning walkers at about 5.30 am who immediately cautioned local residents and district officials. It later expanded to about 30 feet, witnesses said.

Agricultural land alongside the canal was affected and several houses were damaged in Paras Ram Nagar and Dubey Nagar localities, official sources said adding, at some places, the water level rose to as high as 3.5 feet. Deputy Commissioner of Bathinda Rahul Tiwari said the plugging of breach was underway on war-footing under the supervision of district civil and police administration. Steps have also been for safety of residents and drainage of water. Mr. Tiwari said a list of the affected families is being prepared to provide compensation.- PTI

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Breach in canal damages houses, floods farmland in Bathinda

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