RAHIM YAR KHAN: A 40-foot breach occurred in Dallas Branch canal near Mouza Baqir Shah of Jamaldin Wali town in tehsil Sadiqabad early on Saturday.

Executive Engineer (EXEN) irrigation Muhammad Izhaar told Dawn that fresh flow of water was released in Dallas Branch canal four days ago which originates from main Panjnad Canal at Hajipur Headworks near Chachran Sharif downstream.

He said there was 3,000 cusecs flow in Panjnad canal and 1,500 cusecs flow was in Dallas Branch canal. Owing to holes created by rats, the breach of 10-foot initially occurred between Stone 159-160 right at 4am on Saturday, later widened to 40 feet. Izhaar said the irrigation staff tried to control the breach but flow was high. Later, the machinery with excavators was called and rescue work started with support of labour force also.

At last breach was fully plugged at 9am. He said the water inundated nearby 100 acres of fields. However, water damaged a few mud houses in a neighbouring locality.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2024