When Water Stopped Flowing, So Did Hope
In Kondapalli village, located in the G.K. Veedhi block of Andhra Pradesh, water is more than a resource—it is a lifeline for farming, food, and community well-being.
Over time, the village’s 1.5-kilometer irrigation canal had become clogged with silt, debris, and vegetation, halting the water supply to surrounding fields. With no formal maintenance in place, farmers faced crop losses, and the land slowly dried.
Community in Action – Clearing the Canal, Together
Under Goonj’s Cloth for Work (CFW) initiative, the people of Kondapalli didn’t wait for external intervention. 58 villagers joined hands to clean the canal, restoring a channel 1.5 km long and 4 feet wide.
Using basic tools and their own collective will, the community removed:
- Layers of accumulated silt
- Trash and waste choking the water’s flow
- Overgrown plants and roots obstructing the canal walls
This wasn’t just manual labor—it was a community reclaiming its water and future.
Villagers cleaning Kondapalli canal under CFW
Impact That Flows Beyond Water
With the canal cleared, irrigation resumed, ensuring timely water access to farmland and reviving agricultural productivity. The effort also catalyzed the development of a community-led maintenance plan, enabling the canal to remain functional through future seasons.
The benefits go beyond farming:
- Improved crop yields
- Boosted household incomes
- Reduced migration for labor
- Stronger community cooperation
Dignity in Action
The villagers’ efforts were recognized through Goonj’s CFW initiative, where material kits were shared—not as charity, but as a gesture of appreciation for their contribution. These kits, containing essentials, assisted to ease everyday needs and affirmed the value of community-led change.
A Model for Water Stewardship
Kondapalli’s story is not just about repairing a canal—it’s about repairing a relationship with land and livelihood. It is a powerful reminder that rural communities are not passive beneficiaries, but active stewards of their own progress.
Cleaned canal with flowing water in Kondapalli village
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..
