Villages in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh have emerged as models of water resilience through community-led rainwater conservation initiatives under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari campaign of the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The initiative has improved groundwater availability, strengthened livelihoods and reduced distress migration across villages including Murugummi, Marella and Thangella. The report describes collective action by farmers, women, youth and local institutions to secure long-term water access.

Previously the villages faced acute water scarcity owing to erratic rainfall, declining groundwater levels and recurring borewell failures which adversely affected agriculture and livelihoods. Community mobilisation through Gram Sabhas, door to door awareness campaigns, Kalajathas, workshops and field demonstrations led to adoption of practices such as water budgeting, crop planning and groundwater sharing. These measures fostered a strong sense of ownership and enabled local institutions to coordinate resource use and maintenance.

Adopting a ridge to valley approach, the programme promoted a range of rainwater harvesting measures to capture, store and recharge rainwater. Storage capacities are expressed here in million (mn) cubic metres, with Murugummi reporting a cumulative capacity of 0.811 mn from 71 structures and protective irrigation for 264.5 hectares. Marella recorded 1.004 mn from 53 structures while renovation of ponds contributed about 0.595 mn. Thangella reported 0.589 mn from 71 structures and revival of traditional water bodies added around 0.398 mn.

These interventions have enhanced access to water for domestic and agricultural purposes, benefiting approximately 5,900 people and expanding protective irrigation that supports a majority of farming households. Improved water availability has supported dairy activities, restored soil moisture and enabled more stable cropping patterns, thereby strengthening livelihoods and reducing distress migration. Recognition at the national level has followed, with Murugummi receiving the Second Best Village Panchayat Award at the sixth National Water Awards, 2024, Marella selected among 30 top villages and Thangella nominated for national recognition. The experience demonstrates a replicable model for sustainable water management founded on community ownership and people's participation.