HYDERABAD, Aug 24: The report of inquiry into the Rohri Canal breach has held the negligent irrigation officials responsible for the breach.

It has also recommended another inquiry into misuse of funds, released after a similar breach in the canal almost at the same area, Sher Mohammad Thora village, last year.

The inquiry report, prepared by a committee headed by the senior member, Board of Revenue, was submitted to Sindh Chief Secretary K. B. Rind on Thursday,

The inquiry committee held the irrigation officials concerned, form top to bottom, responsible for the breach because of their negligence.

It underscored need for maintenance of embankments of all the main canals of Sindh, including Rohri and Pinyari canals.

The committee said that monetary grant was released after a similar breach occurred in the Rohri Canal of June 22 last year near Sher Mohammad Thora village.

It was of the view that the recent breach indicated that the money, released last year, was not utilised on strengthening of embankments of the Rohri Canal properly.

It said that an inquiry should be conducted into the matter and if the misuse of the funds was proved, the concerned officials must be taken to task.

The committee rejected reports that the breach of July 28 was the result of any subversive activity. It said that the breach was result of a leakage that took place at 9am on July 28 and went unnoticed by the concerned Baildar and Darogha of the canal.

It said that the minor leakage had in fact led to such a huge breach just because of negligence of the concerned officials.

The committee, however, did not assess the losses and the area affected by the water as it was not included in its terms of references.

It recommended that the salary of Baildars should be increaed.