State irrigation minister, Mr Subhas Naskar, today said that repair works of breached or damaged embankments are getting delayed in East and West Midnapore owing to non-availability of earth and lack of proper technology. Mr Naskar was making a statement on the recent floods in East and West Midnapore in the state Assembly. "I admit that repair and strengthening of river embankments was delayed in some areas owing to various reasons in my department. I have asked the department officials to look into the matter. Actually the department is facing severe manpower crisis,' said the minister. "Non-availability of earth is also a problem. This apart, we don't have the technology to lay the pillars in the damaged areas quickly. At least Rs 50 crore is required to carry out the repair works. However, works will be completed and it would hopefully not stop for of funds,' the minister added. However, the minister also informed that a total stretch of about 100 km of river embankment has been damaged partially or breached in these two districts and more than 30 people were affected due to the floods. He also said that repair works of damaged embankments have started in 35 places to stop flow of water that has created trouble for many villagers. The entire repair works could be completed in the next one and half month. But the minister made it clear that if heavy rainfall occurs within next 45 days, it could create fresh trouble.