KHAIRPUR, Aug 3: A breach which occurred in the Abul Wah on Monday evening was plugged on Tuesday night and work is in progress to strengthen the canal embankment. However, before being plugged, the breach had widened to 75 feet, damaging ten more houses in the areas Katchi and Paki Khoi.

Two fish ponds in the Paki Khoi area overflowed and fishes were swept away. Dates spread on ground for drying were inundated. The area farmers claimed to have suffered a loss of Rs200,000.

When contacted by this correspondent, the chief engineer of the Sukkur Barrage said that concerned sub-engineer, Darogha and Beldars had been suspended and an inquiry ordered into the breach.

Meanwhile, farmers took out a procession in Sobhodero against persisting shortage in 17 watercourses of the taluka. The protesters also staged a sit-in on Sagiyoon-Sobhodero road and burnt tyres.