Work on plugging a breach on the left bank of the Kalyanaodai, which caused inundation of neighbouring paddy fields at Mela Ulur village in Orathanadu taluk in the district, was in full swing on Tuesday.
The breach occurred on Monday morning, apparently after a few trees on the banks, including teak trees planted on the bunds, were uprooted in recent rain.
The bund, breached for a length of about 10 metres, inundated nearby paddy fields.
Kuruvai crop inundated
Initial reports said about 120 hectares (ha) of paddy fields, including about 30 ha of kuruvai crop ready for harvest, were inundated. The crop was about 25-30 days old.
However, Agriculture department officials said the exact extent of the damage could be ascertained only after the water drained. A senior PWD official said the water was draining fast from the inundated areas and flowing into a nearby tank.
Meanwhile, Collector A. Annadurai, along with P.Balasubramaniam, Special Chief Engineer, Public Works department, inspected the repair works on Tuesday and said temporary restoration work was fast under way.
“The breach is being plugging using about 30,000 sand bags supported by casuarina poles. About 200 workers were engaged in the task, which will be completed by tonight,” he said.
Besides, PWD workers from Revenue, Highways and Fire and Rescue Services were also involved in the work, he added.
The canal is a branch of the Grand Anicut canal and the PWD is expected to resume water supply in the irrigation canal gradually from Wednesday evening.
