Rayagada: Over the past five years, multiple projects constructed by the Andhra Pradesh administration along the Nagavali River have reduced the water flow into Rayagada district. The perennial river that once flowed through the district is now gradually disappearing due to Andhra’s water diversion projects.
Currently, water is visible in the river only during the monsoon season, while for the rest of the year, the riverbed remains dry.
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Due to these water diversions, many deep borewells that relied on small-scale irrigation have dried up. The groundwater levels have significantly declined, making future water availability a serious challenge, according to an engineer from the Nagavali division.
In areas like Bairagi Haluva, Sheshakhal, Kereda, and Pitamahal of Rayagada district, many borewells are now releasing saline water instead of fresh groundwater. Every year, during summer, the Nagavali River experiences a drastic decline in water flow, leaving the riverbed completely dry.