1. This is an appeal at the instance of the Super-intending Engineer, Parambikulam Aliar Project, against the order of the Additional Commissioner for Workmen's Compensation, Coimbatore, dated 18th June, 1980, in W.C. 31 of 1980, awarding compensation in a sum of Rs. 18,000/- to the respondent herein for the death of her husband. The deceased husband of the respondent, one Arulswami, was employed as a Luskar in the Ponneri branch canal of Udumalai canal between kilometres 12 and 15 and it was his duty to regulate the flow of water in the branch canal by operating upon the sluices and shutters under the directions of the Junior Engineer in charge of Udumalai canal. On 30th September, 1978, Arulswami addressed a letter to the Junior Engineer drawing his attention to the cutting of the canal bank near the left branch canal of Udumalai canal near survey No. 203, in East Thanthoni village at the instance of one Arumugha Gounder and stating that as a result of that it was difficult for men to walk along the bank and also to use cycles. Arulswami had also requested that suitable action should be taken regarding this. Again, Arulswami had addressed another letter to the Junior Enginee