The Anakapalle district of Andhra Pradesh faces pressing challenges in water resource management and agriculture. Traditional water bodies have lost up to 60% of their storage capacity due to siltation, and much of the existing irrigation infrastructure—including canal gates, head regulators, and distribution systems—has fallen into disrepair.
Overdependence on groundwater, especially for water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane, has led to rapid depletion and salinity intrusion, with TDS levels in some areas exceeding 2500 ppm. Agricultural practices are dominated by monocropping and flood irrigation, with minimal adoption of water-efficient technologies and poor soil health management—leading to escalating input costs and reduced productivity. The rapid expansion of industrial zones adds further pressure on fragile water and land ecosystems.
Water resource management is central to our work in the region. In response to local needs, Ambuja Foundation has revived traditional ponds, check dams, minor irrigation tanks, and canal systems—boosting water storage and recharge. We promote water-efficient farming, expand access to safe drinking water, and enable community-led governance through Water User Groups and participatory planning. Water stewards play a key role in regularly testing water quality and raising awareness. RO plants, OHSR tanks, and water literacy campaigns further strengthen long-term water security and resilience.
Additional Water Storage Created
Safe Drinking Water Facilities
People with Portable Water Availability
Surface water access improved
adopted micro-irrigation systems
minor canal systems improved
check dams constructed
minor irrigation tanks revived
Our initiatives in Andhra Pradesh are driving a shift toward sustainable and water-efficient agriculture. Through the revival of canal systems and minor irrigation infrastructure, we have improved water access for farming communities. In the current phase, we are promoting innovative practices such as Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and drip irrigation, which help farmers reduce input costs and conserve water. Agronomic techniques like mulching and crop diversification are being introduced to further enhance productivity and resilience. Regular capacity-building programs and Farmer Field Schools are empowering farmers with knowledge and skills to adopt these sustainable practices.
Ensuring access to safe drinking water and promoting community health have been key priorities. In high-TDS areas, we have installed RO Water ATMs, overhead storage tanks, and ensured drinking water access in schools. At the household level, the introduction of soak pits for greywater management has improved sanitation - backed by extensive ODF awareness campaigns, community toilets,training for local health stakeholders and support for Anganwadis to combat malnutrition.
Our integrated health program focused on preventive care, especially for women and children, and strengthens access to government health services at the village level through trained health workers.
community toilets constructed
with ODF awareness programs
safe drinking water facilities
supported
Soak Pits built
have access to potable water
The education program in Andhra Pradesh focuses on providing infrastructure support to schools to enhance the learning atmosphere and outcomes for children. Additionally, we are improving the hygiene and sanitation conditions in schools by building toilets and handwashing stations to promote WASH and improved health and hygiene behaviour of children.
Sanitation Facilities
Received better infrastructure
A standout intervention has been the revival of the minor canal irrigation systems across Anakapalle district, particularly those fed by the Sarada River. For years, defunct head regulators, broken gates, and silted canals had disrupted irrigation—leaving farmers, especially those at the tail end, without access to water.
Through strong involvement from local Panchayats and community members, Ambuja Foundation led the rehabilitation of these vital structures:
Building on our efforts to introduce innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, the project has promoted Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) cultivation as a unique intervention in Andhra Pradesh. Unlike the traditional transplantation method which is both labour-intensive and increasingly constrained by labour unavailability DSR allows for direct sowing of paddy, significantly cutting down on labour costs. Moreover, the method helps conserve water, with an estimated 20–30% savings in irrigation usage. This intervention not only addresses the rising challenges in conventional paddy cultivation but also empowers farmers to adopt cost-effective and climate-resilient practices.
When Ambuja Foundation entered the villages of NadiKudi, Andhra Pradesh, more than 50% of people in the villages were suffering frequently from Arthritis, Typhoid and other water borne diseases due to high TDS in the water. Installation of an RO water plant was decided as the best choice to address the issue. The community stepped forward to donate towards the project and land was provided by a local community member and panchayat. A well-planned distribution system was needed to ensure every household received the water supply, equally. As a result, 4 RO plants were installed in Budavada village in 2010 with a good distribution system to ensure equal distribution.
.png)
In coastal saline regions of Anakapalle, where minor irrigation tanks and British-era canals had once been lifelines, years of neglect had rendered them ineffective. The collective action of the community, catalyzed by Ambuja Foundation’s intervention, has breathed new life into these systems. Over 13 lakh kilolitres of additional water storage have been created, with more than 5000 acres of land now under assured irrigation. These efforts have transformed the region’s agricultural landscape—reviving not just crops, but also confidence among farmers. More than 10,000 farmers are now experiencing the benefits of sustainable, community-driven development.
.png)
In Z. Chintava village, Andhra Pradesh, farming came to a halt when the Sacchangaraju Pond—once the main irrigation source—fell into disrepair. For years, 55-year-old farmer Boddu Satyam watched his acre of land lie fallow, relying instead on daily wage work and modest milk sales to support his family.
In 2024, with support from Asian Paints, Ambuja Foundation revived the pond through desilting and structural repairs, restoring its full 20,000 KL capacity. The impact was immediate—Satyam resumed paddy cultivation and now plans to grow a second crop and fodder for his cows, reducing expenses and boosting income. He expects to earn an additional ₹35,000 annually and enjoy greater livelihood security.
.png)
Built in 1924, the Rolugadda Head Regulator System once irrigated 550 acres across six villages in Andhra Pradesh. But years of neglect left it defunct, pushing farmers toward expensive, unsustainable borewell irrigation as groundwater levels fell.
In 2024, Ambuja Foundation restored the canal under its Participatory Water Resource Management Project—replacing 11 gates and rebuilding sidewalls—bringing reliable irrigation back to 938 farmers.
For 56-year-old Mandapati Sattibabu, the impact was transformative. He now irrigates 2.5 acres, grows paddy and sugarcane, saves ₹9,000 annually, and has boosted his income by ₹22,000.
Ambuja Foundation has partnered with Asian Paints to enhance the livelihood of 4.2 lakh individuals across 9 villages in Visakhapatnam, through comprehensive water and health initiatives. As part of Asian Paints CSR initiative, Ambuja Foundation acts as an implementing partner for this project to revive water bodies, install water filtration systems and create awareness among the community on judicious utilisation of water resources and proper health and hygiene practices.