Bangiriposi, April 29: The Budhabalanga river which is considered as the lifeline for people of Bangiriposi in Mayurbhanj has dried up from the early summer. Thin and weakened stream of water is now a concern for farmers.

Sources said, the lower catchment of Budhabalanga is fertile for the organic sediments of the river. That’s why large number of farmers cultivate gram, pulses and kharif paddy in this belt. They irrigate to their fields through lift irrigation and check dams.

However, this year the river stream has started drying from the first week of April. The drying river is now a threat for the farmers since most of the crops are at the peak hour of graining. Almost lift irrigation projects have been defunct for lack of water in the river. Similarly, there is no water in the check dams meant for managing water locally.

The farmers seek intervention of the district administration to dig deep wells along the rivers as a remedy for loss of crops.