The canal breach occurred on Sunday afternoon when the canal, running at full capacity, gave way, sending a strong current of water into adjoining farmlands. Wheat, gram, peas and lentil crops, ready for harvest, were washed away within minutes. Panic spread through Sagda–Jhapni and nearby villages as water inundated fields and approached residential areas.
Angry farmers confronted administrative and NVDD officials who reached the site later in the day. On the Collector’s instructions, the release of water from Bargi Dam into the right bank canal was immediately stopped. However, water already present in the canal continued to flow into fields, compounding the damage.
Farmers allege the disaster was avoidable. Sohan Lal, a local cultivator, said leakage from both sides of the canal had been reported as early as two years ago, and over the past 15 days canal water had been continuously flowing into the Harrai drain. “Officials knew the canal was weak but no repairs were carried out,” he said.
The impact is being felt across districts. While farmers in Jabalpur are grappling with waterlogged fields, those in Katni, Satna and Rewa now face the opposite threat. With canal water supply halted, crops dependent entirely on irrigation risk drying up. Abhishek Dubey of Sagda–Chhapni said his wheat crop spread over 60 acres was completely submerged. “Officials arrive after the damage, conduct surveys, and compensation rarely matches the loss,” he said.
Tulsi Ram, a marginal farmer who took loans to sow crops on four acres, said the breach has pushed him into financial distress. “Everything is gone. Repaying the loan will be impossible,” he said.
A bridge over the canal connecting Sagda–Jhapni to nearby villages has also come und
er threat after fast-flowing water eroded the soil beneath it, causing visible cracks. Villagers have demanded urgent repairs to prevent further danger.
On Monday, the SDM and Tehsildar began a drone-based survey to assess crop damage. Tehsildar Poornima Khandayat confirmed earlier leakage complaints and said the cause of the breach is under investigation. Damage assessment is underway in six villages and may be extended further.
The right bank canal of the Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi Sagar Project irrigates around 2.45 lakh hectares across Jabalpur, Katni, Rewa and Satna, primarily supporting Rabi crops. Farmers warn that unless repairs are expedited, the region faces large-scale agricultural losses in the coming weeks.
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