Nandapur: The Kolab and Jalaput reservoirs in Koraput district are witnessing a continuous decline in water levels. If the situation worsens, rivers, streams, ponds, and farmlands may dry up. The falling groundwater levels in February suggest an impending water crisis in summer.
In Nandapur block, Jalaput reservoir currently holds 2,740.55 cubic feet of water, supporting 156 villages across 10 panchayats. Similarly, the Kolab reservoir, which supplies water to 138 villages across Nandapur, Lamtaput, and Koraput blocks, currently stores 851.94 cubic meters of water. These reservoirs have 8 and 11 sluice gates, respectively, with only one gate of Jalaput open, while all others remain closed. All gates of Kolab reservoir are shut, raising concerns about severe water shortages in the coming dry season.