Dhanbad, June 8 -- The unusually low water level at Maithon dam this summer has affected tourism and the livelihoods of boatmen and small vendors who depend on visitors arriving at one of the region's most popular tourist destinations. With the water level of Maithon reservoir falling to around 460.96 feet, much below its normal level of about 485 feet, tourists are finding it difficult to access boats, leading to a decline in boating activity. Pradeep Mahto, a boatman, said this summer had been particularly challenging. "Tourist flow is almost negligible on weekdays, though there is some crowd during weekends," said Mahto. "Even among those who come during weekends, very few are opting for boating because the low water level has pushed the boats far away from the usual boarding points. Visitors have to walk nearly 200 to 300 metres to reach the boats, and many prefer not to do so," he added. According to boat operators, summer is generally considered an off-season for tourism at Maithon, but the present situation is worse than in previous years because of the sharp decline in the reservoir level. The reduced water level has also affected roadside food stalls, tea and coffee vendors, and other small businesses operating around the dam area, as fewer tourists are spending time near the waterfront. Officials and local residents attribute the fall in water level to the intense summer heat, increased release of water for drinking water supply to Dhanbad and parts of West Bengal....