Cracks on embankment trigger panic

Muktsar, August 16

Panic gripped residents of Bhullar and a few adjoining villages here after huge cracks appeared on the embankment of the Rajasthan feeder canal and water started seeping into the Chandbhan drain.

Some villagers saw the cracks and informed Irrigation Department officials. Thereafter, the officials opened the water escape gates of the canal and released water into the Chandbhan drain.

Though the officials were trying to avoid any kind of loss and pressed even heavy machinery into service, the situation so far has not been under control. Rajpal Singh, SDM, Muktsar, visited the spot and asked the officials concerned to speed up the work. MK Aravind Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Muktsar, said, “Efforts are afoot to plug the cracks. A team of officials is stationed there to keep an eye on the situation. We are hopeful that the cracks will be repaired by Thursday night.” — TNS