Sambalpur: A 30-ft-long breach in the Sasan main canal near Balabaspur village in Kilasama panchayat was developed on February 11 because of "total neglect and lack of maintenance" of the authorities, a farmers' body has alleged.

"We had cautioned the canal authorities time and again on the canal's poor maintenance, but they paid no heed," Western Odisha Krushak Sangathan Co-ordination Committee convener Ashok Pradhan said.

Pradhan and other farmer leaders alleged that the state government had allotted Rs 200 crore for renovation and modernisation of the canal in 2003. Local farmers had at that time suggested the authorities to take up specific construction for a prolonged solution.

The farmers said the canal authorities had promised to repair the breach within three days, but till date, it had not been completed.

Consequently, release of water in the canal has not been restored resulting in occurrence of a "drought-like situation in the tail end of the command areas".

More than 700 acres of cultivated land in Balabasapur and Kilasama were flooded causing damage to crop. The officials had to suspend the release of water.

Sources said district collector Samarth Verma had submitted an initial report of crop damage on 500 acres because of the breach to the state government.

He said the final report on the damage would be known after the agriculture, irrigation and the revenue officials submitted their report.