Over 200 acres submerged after fresh breach in Lambi Miner near Abohar, farmers demand compensation

Chandigarh: More than 200 acres of cultivable land were submerged on Monday night after a breach occurred in the Lambi Miner near Bajitpur Bhoma village, around 31 km from Abohar. This marks the second such incident in three days, raising concerns over the canal’s condition and the irrigation department’s management.

The breach occurred in the same stretch of the canal that had been repaired just two days earlier, on Saturday evening. According to local farmers, officials from the canal department allegedly released excess water late at night to supply downstream taps, which triggered the fresh breach.

In the previous incident, around 100 acres of farmland were submerged. Farmers claim that the water was released prematurely, leading to the collapse of the repaired section. While videos of the incident are circulating widely on social media, the authorities have yet to issue any official statement.

Farmer Sukhwinder Singh Bhoma and others expressed disappointment, saying the floodwaters have damaged straw bales and delayed the sowing of summer crops, including cotton. The situation is further aggravated by the upcoming maintenance closure of the canal from May 16, which will halt the water supply for two weeks.

Local farmers are now demanding accountability and compensation for the losses incurred due to repeated breaches and mismanagement.