Depleting groundwater-level in the district has alarmed experts and residents alike.

According to a recent survey, the minimum level of groundwater in the district is around 12ft while the maximum has gone down to 20.2ft, nearly two inches more than the measurement taken at the same time last year.

Experts believe if the maximum level touches 25ft, the entire region would face a severe water crisis. Instructions have been issued in the wake of decline in water-level and the public health and engineering department (PHED) officials are constantly monitoring the situation.

PHED executive engineer Yogendra Mishra said: “At present, the district is not facing any crisis of drinking water. But there is less deposition of water to replenish the amount being drained out everyday.”

To keep the water-level from declining further, Yogendra has suggested several measures, including using soak pits in house, check dams to retain water and rainwater harvesting on roofs.

“We have conducted drives to ascertain the level of groundwater by collecting samples through tube wells and hand pumps from at least five panchayats in every block. Accordingly, the reports have been prepared,” said Mishra.