SHEIKHUPURA, June 5: The irrigation staff has within 38 hours plugged the 75-foot breach which was developed in the Upper Gogera Branch canal near Chak 5, Shahkot, on Tuesday.

Dawn learnt on Wednesday that at least six villages were inundated and consequently several houses were damaged and crops were destroyed. The loss was reportedly estimated to be Rs10 million.

A delegation of villagers of chaks 5, 9 and 10 told this correspondent that overseer Talat, who had been appointed to supervise the banks of canals and responsible for submitting a report based on latest findings, had never bothered to check the position.

They said the official had set up a poultry farm in a nearby village and alleged eight baildars of the irrigation department always remained at his farm to look after birds.

They urged the irrigation department higher-ups to take stock of the situation and to order an inquiry into the matter.