A Canal Once Central to Farming Life
Kanahalli village of Vijayanagar district, Karnataka, depends largely on farming for its livelihood. At the heart of this agrarian life lies a canal that once carried water to nearby fields and flourished crops across seasons.
Over time, this canal was neglected. Mud, weeds, and debris collected inside it, blocking the natural flow of water. As water stopped reaching the fields properly, farmers began to feel the growing pressure of water scarcity. Everyone knew that without reviving the canal, farming would become even more difficult
Neglected Canal in Kanahalli Village Before Cleaning
Deciding to Act Together
Recognising the importance of every water source, the villagers decided that waiting for outside help was not an option. People who had earlier faced water shortages understood the value of collective responsibility.
A two-day canal cleaning activity was planned. The goal was simple yet powerful—to restore the canal so it could once again absorb, store, and carry enough water to support irrigation and healthy crop growth.
Two Days of Shared Labour and Determination
Kanahalli witnessed strong community participation. A total of 80 people came together, including men and women. Daily wage workers and youth joined hands with a shared purpose — reviving their village’s lifeline.
With steady effort, they cleared thick layers of mud, weeds, and waste from the canal. Tools were shared, tasks were divided naturally, and the work moved forward with determination. Alongside the hard work, there were conversations, laughter, and a strong sense of unity.
Community Members Cleaning the Canal in Kanahalli
Conversations That Strengthened the Community
Alongside the physical work, a Chuppi Todo Baithak (Break the Silence) session under our Not Just A Piece of Cloth initiative was conducted on menstrual wellbeing. Women participated actively, sharing their concerns and experiences related to menstruation in a safe and open space. These conversations added another layer of meaning to the effort, reinforcing the importance of dignity, awareness, and mutual support within the community. The canal cleaning became more than just infrastructure work – it turned into a space for dialogue, learning, and strengthening community resilience.
A Visible Change and a Shared Vision
After two days of collective effort, the canal looked renewed. The cleared path allowed water to flow freely again, bringing hope to the surrounding farmlands and community members were rewarded with family kits for their collective efforts.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Change
One of the villagers shared that such canal cleaning activities should be organised every year to maintain the canal and ensure long-term benefits for farming. This reflection showed a shift in thinking from one-time action to sustained community ownership.
Canal After Cleaning Work
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..
