India, May 13 -- An acute water shortage in the Upper Jonk Irrigation Project command area has damaged standing Rabi paddy crops across nearly 2,000 hectares in Odisha's Nuapada district.

More than 1,200 farmers across nine gram panchayats have reportedly been affected, with many blaming poor coordination and water management.

Officials say cultivation extended beyond the planned irrigation area, putting stress on available water and contributing to crop damage.

Defunct Pani Panchayats, shrinking reservoir storage and long-standing legal and environmental complications linked to the dam have deepened the crisis.

Residents also fear drinking water supplies could be hit before the monsoon, as the intake well inside the dam has reportedl...