Madurai, Aug. 6 -- A severe water shortage has left the Vellaripatti irrigation tank in Tamil Nadu's Madurai district completely dry, dealing a major blow to agriculture and livelihoods in the region as farmers struggle with one of the worst drought-like situations in recent years.

The Vellaripatti Kanmai (irrigation tank), which serves as a primary water source for agriculture in several surrounding villages, has turned into a vast stretch of cracked earth after months of inadequate rainfall and prolonged extreme heat. The dried-up tank bed, marked by deep fissures, reflects the growing water crisis confronting farmers in the region.

Residents said the irrigation tank has traditionally sustained farming activities throughout the year a...