The officials issued orders banning digging of agriculture borewells in 350 villages in the district in which the water table plummeted. As the officials banned digging of agriculture borewells, farmers are unable to cultivate crops. Groundwater level is coming down in Madakasira, Hindupur and Penugonda areas in the district. The water level fell to 70 metres in Madhodi village in Aagali mandal. Officials, who banned digging of agriculture borewells, have permitted digging of borewells for drinking water purposes. There are reports that farmers are digging up agriculture borewells with support from political leaders despite ban. Except in those years where the district received ample rainfall, the groundwater level is coming down. As cultivation of paddy requires huge amount of water, farmers are digging borewells. Officials fear the water table would fall further if farmers use groundwater for cultivation. The deputy director of groundwater department, Mr Venugopal, said the district received 650 mm of rainfall and the groundwater level was 12.56 metres this year. He said details relating to groundwater level were being collected every two months from 86 observatory wells.