Berhampur, Aug. 28: A river straying from its course is not good news.

The floods in Orissa have made the Nagavali veer from its path in Rayagada, posing a threat to even the district headquarters.

Arun Kumar Padhi, executive engineer in the irrigation department (Chikiti division) and engineer (flood control) in south Orissa, said the change of course occurred following heavy rains and flood in the river on August 3, 4 and 16.

High velocity of the water during those days caused erosion, which led to a change in course, said experts.

Padhi visited the area recently and submitted a report to the government suggesting steps to prevent further erosion in the river.

As a result of the Nagavali straying from its path, tourists have struck Hatipathar, a major picnic spot in south Orissa till recently, from the holiday list. With the river moving away, the waterfall there has dried up.

Nagavali originates from Tinajhola in Kalahandi district covers 113 km in Orissa before it enters Andhra Pradesh. Earlier, it flowed 280 m from Rayagada town. But the distance is shrinking fast and the river has moved closer to the town by 80 m.

The Rayagada district administration, too, has sent a report to the state government on the prevailing situation.

According to the report of the irrigation department, the Nagavali is flowing around 30 m from Mankadjhula village. It is feared that if the erosive action continues, the village may soon cease to exist.

The initial findings show that the river has changed its course by around 700 m in terms of length and around 80 m in terms of width. The Nagavali has damaged over 10 acres of private land in Rayagada district.

In his report, Panda urged the government to seek the advice of experts and chalk out a long-term plan to counter the possibility of further damage.

As an immediate measure, concrete blocks and boulders would be used to check erosive action in the river.