Patna: A bid to damage the Upper Kiul Main Canal under construction was foiled after timely intervention by police and irrigation department officials, who prevented miscreants from disrupting the irrigation project in Jamui district.Khaira SHO Sanjay Kumar said the incident took place around 11pm on Friday near Bariyarpur village, close to Giddheshwar Hill under Khaira block. Unidentified persons allegedly tried to obstruct water flow by breaching a section of the canal.After receiving information, the executive engineer of the irrigation division alerted the Jamui SP and the sub-divisional officer. A police patrol team and irrigation department engineers rushed to the spot. The suspects fled under the cover of darkness on spotting the approaching team.During inspection, officials found a nearly two-foot breach in the canal at the 6,980-metre point. The cross-drainage structure at the site had also been partially damaged, allegedly to divert more water towards the Dundo-Narvada channel.Officials further found damage to an outlet and a portion of the canal slope near the 7,700-metre mark. They said the apparent objective was to disrupt water supply to tail-end areas, particularly Sikandra.The executive engineer said only earthwork has been completed along the affected stretch, while PCC lining work is still pending. Full-capacity water release through the outlets will begin only after completion of the lining work.Officials warned that if such incidents continue, irrigation supply to tail-end regions could be affected once the canal becomes operational.The irrigation department has initiated steps to lodge an FIR against unidentified persons for damaging govt property and attempting to obstruct canal operations. Police have launched an investigation to identify those involved and take appropriate legal action.
