Bhubaneswar, June 14 -- The government's claims of supporting farmers are facing a stern test in Odisha's Kandhamal district, where a severe water crisis is threatening standing crops. Prolonged heatwave conditions have led to a sharp decline in water levels in rivers, streams and reservoirs, leaving farmers struggling to irrigate their fields during the crucial Rabi season.

In Tandri village under Phiringia block, a major reservoir that serves both drinking water and irrigation needs has nearly dried up. The falling water level has dropped far below the canal intake point, completely disrupting water supply to irrigation channels. As a result, farmers who depend on the reservoir for cultivation are staring at heavy losses.

Irrigation H...