Fatehabad: A major water leakage from the Gorakhpur Minor linked to the Fatehabad Branch Canal was reported in the Bhuna area of the district, leading to flooding in nearby agricultural fields.

According to farmers, water started overflowing around 5 a.m. and continued flowing into the surrounding fields for several hours, damaging crops spread across many acres.

Farmers informed irrigation department officials about the leakage, but alleged that no immediate action was taken to stop the flow of water.

Farmers Say Officials Ignored Warnings for Three Days

Farmers including Garv Singh, Jeet Singh, Chandi Ram, Sahil Kumar, Ramphal and Kashmir Singh claimed that water had been flowing into the minor canal from the Fatehabad Branch for the last three days.

They alleged that leakage from the canal had gradually increased and officials were informed about the issue well in advance. However, according to the farmers, no preventive measures were taken by the irrigation department.

The situation worsened on Thursday morning when the water flow intensified, causing rapid flooding in nearby fields and creating fear among residents living in nearby settlements.

Farmers Forced to Control Leakage on Their Own

As officials allegedly failed to reach the spot on time, farmers tried to stop the water themselves while continuously contacting authorities for assistance.

Farmers said they kept waiting for JCB machines and departmental teams, but even after three hours no machinery arrived at the site.

Moong and Vegetable Crops Suffer Heavy Losses

The overflowing water caused significant damage to moong and vegetable crops. Farmers also said that several borewells installed in the fields were submerged under water.

In addition, nearly 50 acres of nursery crops were reportedly affected due to waterlogging.

Farmers accused the irrigation department of repeatedly failing to repair leakages on time and later blaming farmers for canal breaches.

Farmers Demand Action Against Negligent Officials

Expressing anger over the wastage of water, farmers said that while people in many areas are struggling for drinking water during the intense summer heat, thousands of litres of water were allowed to flow wastefully into fields.

The affected farmers have demanded strict action against officials responsible for the alleged negligence and delay in responding to the emergency.