THE SEA HAS INTRUDED LAND UP TO 30 KM IN THE COASTAL BELT MAKING WATER IN THE WELLS UNFIT TO DRINK March 21: Pollution in rivers, depleting resources of groundwater and landward movement of seawater are haunting Andhra Pradesh this World Water Day. Though endowed with natural water resources, the state is one of the geographical areas identified as `problematic' by water experts. They warn that unless wise steps are taken, there will be severe shortage of drinking water in AP by 2050. The state has recently been witnessing a major environ mental problem in the form of landward movement of sea water. Through underground aquifers, the sea is intruding into the land. The groundwater department estimates that seawater has already intruded up to 30 km in the coastal belt. This means that people living in these areas will not get potable water in wells. They get only salty water unfit for consumption. Already several villages in Krishna, Godavari, Guntur and Prakasam districts are facing this problem. "Indiscriminate construction of dams across rivers and streams is telling on the estuaries," said the senior environmental biologist, Dr Duggaraju Srinivas. "In Krishna River, seawater is felt even up to Nagayalanka, 20 km away from the sea coast. Same is the case with the Penna River in Nellore district.