The water channel, which was built nearly 24 years ago, carried water from Madhuban dam in Valsad and supplied it to 40 villages in Umbargaon and some villages in Silvassa. A team of executive engineers from the Central Design Organistation (CDO), Gandhinagar inspected the site and will submit the report.

After learning about the incident, the administrative officials of Dadra &Nagar Haveli and the officials of the Irrigation department of Valsad PWD rushed to the spot and examined the situation.

The officials of the Daman Ganga Authority also visited the spot and started investigations.

Later, on getting instructions from the officials of the Daman Ganga Authority, the water supply from the Madhuban dam was stopped on a temporary basis.

However, by then, water had entered several agriculture fields in Umbargaon and had damaged many industries in Silvassa.

On Thursday evening, a team of two executive engineers from CDO, Gandhinagar arrived at the spot and examined the broken part of the water channel.

Canal maintenance engineer B B Patel said: “The aqueduct was constructed around 24 years ago, and till date, it was not maintained. A few months ago, after taking permission from our higher ups, we had released tenders for the maintenance of the water channel and the process is underway.”

“There is no doubt that the incident occurred because of the lack of maintenance. It will cause water scarcity in many villages,” he added.

Patel further said that after having discussions with CDO officials, “we have planned to install a water pump on the river so that water can be pulled and supplied to the affected villages”. “However, it will take another five days before the arrangement can be made,” he added.

He said the CDO officials will make a report about the reconstruction work and the expected cost of the project.