A breach in the Tungabhadra Left Bank Main Canal near Basapur in Koppal taluk has led to flooding of nearby paddy fields and significant water loss.
The incident occurred at the 13th mile of the canal on Tuesday night, when a section gave way under the pressure of released water. The discharge from the reservoir had varied between 200 cusec and 2,000 cusec in phases.
Water intended for drinking purposes in Koppal and Raichur districts flowed into surrounding agricultural lands, inundating over 100 acres of paddy fields and entering nearby resorts. The mud road along the canal was also washed away.
Farmers and BJP leaders alleged that cracks had developed in the canal three to four months ago, but officials did not act on the warnings.
Following the incident, authorities stopped water release into the canal on Tuesday night. Officials said repair work will be completed within three to four days.