Nabarangpur In Nabarangpur district, the river Indravati, also known as the lifeline of the region, has dried up. After the construction of the dam, the water from the river, which used to flow into the Kalhandi district, is no longer reaching the areas of Tendulikhunti, Nabarangpur, Nandahandi, and Kosagumuda blocks. As a result, the agricultural lands in these areas are not receiving water.
In the Kosagumuda block, the Bhaskel River, which was once a lifeline for the people, has also dried up. The drying of the river has had a severe impact on the crops on about six to eight acres of land, and many crops are withering due to the water shortage. Farmers who depended on irrigation from the river for crops like paddy, maize, and other water-dependent crops are now facing the loss of their livelihood.
The water scarcity has also created problems for domestic animals. Farmers are struggling to provide drinking water to their cattle and other farm animals.
In the past, the river was a source of prosperity for the farmers in the region, as they cultivated crops on the fertile land along the riverbanks. However, now due to the drying of the river and the illegal sand mining activities, the region is facing severe water shortages, which is impacting the crops and livelihoods.
The administration has failed to take action against the illegal sand mining, which is contributing to the drying up of the river. Despite claims from the district administration to stop the illegal sand extraction, the situation remains unchanged, and the local farmers are bearing the brunt of this problem.
There is a pressing need for the construction of check dams to prevent the river from drying up and ensure that the agricultural land receives adequate water for farming. The district administration continues to claim that they are taking steps to stop illegal sand mining, but the farmers are yet to see any significant change.