TOBA TEK SINGH, July 28: A breach occurred in Jhang branch canal on Friday night near Chak 306-JB, inundating crops over hundreds of acres of land.

However, the irrigation staff plugged it after four-hour efforts.

Reports said the 10-foot breach spread to 25 feet, causing damage to crops. Jhang irrigation department executive engineer Khawar Nazir visited the spot and ordered a probe.

Meanwhile, irrigation employees union (CBA) leader Allah Bakhsh Sial claimed in a press statement on Saturday that the breach was created by influential farmers of the area and demanded arrest of the responsible people.

He demanded to fill vacant posts of lower grade employees in the department as staff shortage was causing water theft.

On the other hand, cultivators have blamed the irrigation staff for weak embankment which resulted in breach.