India, Feb. 10 -- In an agricultural economy, irrigation through canals is a lifeline more so than a necessity. However, for farmers of Kendrapara, this is becoming a distant memory as multiple canals that once used to feed their farms with fresh water have now become clogged with silt and weeds due to alleged administrative apathy.

Sources reported that canals in the Aali region of the district are one of the worst affected with fast-flowing canals either drying up or unable to reach the fields. Aggravating concerns is the fact that farmers are now left without proper irrigation facilities, severely hampering their livelihood as well as agriculture in the region.

"Not a single canal is free of debris and weed. There is no question of w...