A Canal, A Village, and a Crisis of Water
In Kallimedu (Kolathu Theru) village of Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, most families rely on paddy farming for their livelihood. Though the Khan Sahib canal flowed nearby, dense vegetation and silt had blocked water access for years. Farmers struggled with irrigation and were forced to depend on rainfall. This left large portions of agricultural land dry, often burning under the sun, leading to crop failure and financial distress.
When the People Decided to Act
Faced with years of hardship, the villagers came together under Goonj’s initiatives and passed a resolution to clean the canals. With community participation, two irrigation channels were cleared of heavy vegetation and silt. This simple yet powerful act allowed water to flow freely once again into the agricultural lands.
Canal cleaning in progress
More Than Water – A Shift in Livelihoods
The impact was immediate and visible. Water from the Khan Sahib canal now irrigates 30 hectares of farmland, benefitting over 150 people. Farmers who earlier could grow only one paddy crop during the monsoon are now harvesting two cycles — monsoon and winter. Average annual incomes have nearly doubled, with many families earning ₹3 lakhs annually. The total value of crops from these revitalized fields has reached an estimated ₹70 lakhs.
A Channel of Change
This is more than a story of water — it’s a story of people taking charge of their own resilience. The revival of the irrigation canal in Kallimedu is a testament to how small, collective efforts rooted in local context can bring long-lasting change — with dignity, not dependency.
Flowing water in cleaned canal
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
