JEYPORE: A major portion of the main canal of Telengiri irrigation project in Koraput’s Borigumma has been damaged by landslides triggered by the recent heavy rains, raising concerns among farmers over water supply during the upcoming kharif and rabi seasons.
The 28-km main canal system has reportedly suffered damage at several locations, with around 40 per cent of it affected. Sections passing through hilly terrain have been washed away or damaged due to soil and hill slips. The most affected stretches are near Sankhulai, Ransapur, Bisingpur, Meddamal and Benagaon, while partial damage has been reported near Patanaguda, Kenduguda and Gadabaguda.
A 40-50 metre stretch of the canal near Sankhulai has reportedly collapsed completely. Officials are conducting field inspections to assess the extent of the damage and estimate the cost of restoration.
The damage has also revived concerns over durability of the canal infrastructure. The Telengiri irrigation project was inaugurated in 2019 and operated on a trial basis for about three years. During the trial period in 2021, a portion of the main canal near its tail-end at Gadabaguda had also collapsed, prompting questions over the quality of construction.
The project caters to thousands of farmers in more than 15 gram panchayats under Borigumma block. With agricultural operations for the coming seasons approaching, farmers are concerned whether water can be supplied to their fields within the required time.
Farmer organisations urged the state government and the Water Resources department to take immediate steps to restore the canal and ensure uninterrupted irrigation.
Chief engineer of Indravati-Kolab Basin Bedambar Behera said the recent heavy rainfall triggered landslides, resulting in portions of the canal system being washed away. Engineers and officials have inspected the affected stretches and are assessing the extent of the damage.
“Repair work is continuing to restore the canal system at the earliest. Farmers need not be worried as there will be no major disruption in water supply. Water will be supplied during both the kharif and rabi seasons as before,” Behera said.