ROURKELA: Scores of natural water channels, traditionally irrigating farmlands in Sundargarh district, are now facing the question of existence. Most of them have either dried up or are on the verge of extinction owing to man-made factors. The tribal-dominated Sundargarh district is blessed with green canopy and small hill ranges. Since time immemorial, scores of natural water channels were keeping the ecological balance and feeding the forestdwellers. However, of late, growing human needs have become the biggest challenge for their existence. The Liploi nullah in Rajgangpur block has dried up, while the water holding of similar channels in the same block near Ghoghar and Gomadihi have drastically lessened. Aam Ghat nullah has been the source of drinking water for the residents of Rajgangpur town and people living elsewhere in its course. But, the scenario is changing for the worse with its depleting water holding. Rajgagpur town now has begun to feel the pinch. Another nullah passing through Champajharan in Lathikata area is also threatened by the widening work of NH-23. The Karodihi water channel at Tensa of Lahunipara block and Suna nullah at Teherai in Koira block are facing the brunt of mindless mining and de-forestation. Old-timers recalled drying up of several other natural water bodies in these two blocks. A spring atop the Durgapur hill in the centre of Rourkela city vanished long before. The irony with the scenic Khandhadhar waterfall, which at present f e e d s nearl y nine panchayats in Bonai subdivision, may face premature death with Posco planning to begin iron ore mining. Environmentalist Aswini Mahanta said even as the government failed to ensure water supply to the interior pockets, these water bodies are slaking the thirst of the rural folks and meeting agricultural needs.