Kolhapur: A 55-year-old woman and 11 livestock was washed after a land dam from the small irrigation project Megholi in Bhudargad Tehsil from Kolhapur Regency exploded on Wednesday night.
A series and bridge across the River Vedaga tributary was also damaged.
The dam, built in 2000, has a capacity of 2.79 million cubic feet.
It serves to irrigate more than 350 hectares of agricultural land.
Following the dam, plants in 150-200 hectares are expected to be damaged.
Mahesh Surve, engineer inspector from Kolhapur irrigation circle, said the dam has developed a leak and plan with total expenditure of Rs 2.5 Crore for recent improvements to be approved.
“Over the past few years, the leak points have been observed and several steps of repairs were taken.
However, the main repair work was waiting.
We found that water pressure had caused a dam to explode.
At 7pm, some leaks were observed and we told the villagers who lived In the downstream area tghe.
The dam suddenly exploded between 10:15 pm and 10:30.
“Surve said most of the residence along the tributors was located at a height and there was no direct threat to the life of the villagers.
However, after the warning was released, Jijabai Mohite (55) hurried to save his livestock from the warehouse near the banks of the river and trapped in flash floods.
He washed away.
Although there were only about 10mm before the rain before the incident on Wednesday, the area had received heavy rainfall in July and a full dam since then.
“We have given the assignment to find the actual causes and events that lead to the explosion of the Dam Safety Inspection Division of our department.
To ensure the incident does not repeat the other reservoir, I have asked engineers to complete the audit and start steps to overcome deficiencies , “Surve said.
Kolhapur District collector Rahul Rekhawar visited the Dam site and asked for revenue authorities to check damage to life and nature.