Pune – A sudden rise in water levels caused a breach in the Neera Right Bank Canal near Varkute Khurd, leading to thousands of liters of water flooding into nearby farms. The breach resulted in significant damage to standing crops, and one farmer was injured when his house’s wall collapsed under the pressure of the floodwater (Pune News)

The injured farmer has been identified as Machhindra Pandurang Bhongale, 65, who suffered injuries when the water broke through the canal and flooded his home. The incident occurred late Tuesday night (October 8) in Varkute Khurd village.

Crop Destruction on a Large Scale

Over 20 farmers in the region suffered severe crop losses due to the flooding. Crops including guava saplings belonging to Rajkumar Bhongale were washed away, while the maize crops of Hanumant and Machhindra Bhongale were destroyed. The harvested corn cobs stored in their fields were completely lost in the floodwaters. Additionally, other farmers faced damage to a variety of crops: (Pune Latest News)

• Uttam Shinde’s bell peppers in his shade net farm were destroyed.
• Sainath Bhongale’s maize crop, Piraji Bhongale’s dragon fruit plantation, and Adv. Sandeep Shende’s mature maize crops were also heavily affected.
• Farmers such as Dashrath Bhongale lost their bitter gourd crops, while Vasant Bhongale lost his cucumber plants.
• Banana plantations of Ramdas Shende, pomegranate orchards of Kantilal and Gulab Bhongale, and other crops including cowpea and ladyfinger were also severely damaged.

Authorities Begin Damage Assessment

After the breach was reported, the village sarpanch, Bapurao Shende, informed the Water Resources Department. Immediate action was taken to stop the flow of water upstream of the Varkute Khurd village by diverting the canal water. The water department quickly mobilized efforts to repair the damaged section of the canal.

Nitin Yadav, the local village revenue officer (Talathi), arrived at the scene to assess the damage and began recording the losses. Detailed reports on the damaged crops and properties were submitted to higher authorities for further assistance to the affected farmers. (Indapur Today News)

Canal Repairs Underway

As soon as the information about the canal breach was received, the water discharge was reduced, and the flow was diverted upstream to stop it. Repair work on the breached canal is currently underway –Vikram Gaikwad, Branch Officer, Water Resources, Nimgaon Ketki”