In the remote corners of Kumuram Bheem Asifabad District, the tribal villages of Dhaba and Mowad were gripped by a relentless water crisis. Year after year, the sun-scorched fields yielded little, forcing villagers to endure long treks to distant wells for their basic water needs. Women and children bore the brunt of the burden, while farmers like Mr. Jugathi Rao watched their crops wither away. “For years, we had no water for our crops, and the droughts only made it worse,” Mr. Rao lamented, his voice tinged with despair.
CYDA’s Intervention
The turning point came with an innovative intervention by Parivartan program of HDFC—groundwater recharge shafts implemented by CYDA. This solution aimed to tackle the root cause of the villages’ plight: the alarming depletion of groundwater. However, the initiative required more than just technical expertise; it needed the trust and active participation of the local community.
Initially met with skepticism, the villagers gradually embraced the project through CYDA’s consistent efforts to involve them. Community discussions became a cornerstone of the initiative. Using Participatory Rural Appraisal techniques, CYDA facilitated dialogue among local farmers, village leaders, and women, collectively identifying the most effective locations for the recharge shafts.
Building a Sustainable Future
Construction began just before the monsoon, with local workers playing an integral role. Many of them, unfamiliar with the technology, were trained by CYDA to dig and line the shafts. The recharge shafts, each with a diameter of 1 meter and a depth of 10 meters, were lined with perforated concrete rings. This allowed rainwater to percolate down into the aquifers, while layers of gravel and sand filtered the water.
“I felt proud to be part of this initiative,” said Mrs. Lakshmi, a resident of Mowad, as she recounted her experience. “We built it with our own hands, and now it’s bringing water back to our homes.”
When the monsoon rains arrived, the recharge shafts quickly began to show results. Groundwater levels started to rise, bringing much-needed relief. “We can finally irrigate our crops again,” Mr. Rao shared, his voice brimming with gratitude.
CYDA installed six recharge shafts—five in Dhaba and one in Mowad. These captured rainwater during the monsoon and replenished the groundwater. The impact was transformative. The improved water availability revived agriculture, enabling farmers to grow crops with renewed confidence.
Empowered Communities and Lasting Change
Beyond the tangible benefits, CYDA’s intervention fostered a cultural shift. Awareness programs helped villagers understand the critical importance of groundwater conservation. The hands-on involvement in constructing the recharge shafts instilled a sense of ownership and pride.
The villagers now view water as a precious resource to be preserved rather than exploited. Practices like rainwater harvesting have gained traction, ensuring the sustainability of the progress achieved.
Conclusion
CYDA’s intervention in Dhaba and Mowad not only revived the groundwater but also restored hope, dignity, and self-reliance among the people. The project demonstrated the power of community-driven solutions in addressing complex challenges. As Mr. Rao aptly put it, “This isn’t just water—it’s life coming back to our land.”
(This article is contributed by Kalyani Mudaliar, Documentation officer, CYDA)
