The owners of the ill-fated Patel dam that has so far claimed 47 lives have issued their first public statement.
The wealthy family claimed that the collapse of the dam was to be blamed on the heavy rains in the nearby Dundori forests which resulted in massive erosion.
“Investigations point to the heavy rainfall in Dundori forest resulting in massive soil erosion with high pressure water accompanied by dead stumps, logs, and big boulders that hit the wall of the dam causing huge gush of water into the farm and outlying settlements,” the family stated.
The statement prepared by Mansukh Patel included a statement of condolence and “regret” regarding the tragic incident, but did not include an apology to the victims.
Mansukh, who is the Chairman of the Solai Group, added that the Patel farm management was working with the government to conclude investigations on the mater.
“Since 1935, the Patel family has been an integral part of the Solai community and has always supported projects that uplift general standard of living of the Wananchi. We are currently investigating how this could have happened and deeply regret the occurrence,” he stated.
