Living with Water Scarcity – My Roots in Anantapuram District, India

In Anatapuram district, unexpected heavy rains turned dry riverbeds into flowing streams and inundated the streets, forming temporary waterways, as depicted in this image of a dog standing thoughtfully in the middle of a flooded lane. However, the rainfall was not enough to substantially restore the groundwater levels.

Water. It is a luxury most of us rarely think about. A turn of the tap, and life’s most essential resource flows freely. But for people in Anantapuram District, Andhra Pradesh, India—where I grew up—water is far from a given. It is a daily struggle, a constant worry, and, above all, a precious resource to be fiercely protected.

Growing up in one of India’s driest regions, I learned the value of water the hard way. Even now, when I see a dripping faucet or a leaking pipe, I feel a sense of urgency. Years of witnessing droughts and scarcity have hardwired this instinct into me. For many, water is a convenience. For us, it is survival.

Anantapuram: A Land Thirsting for Rain

Anantapuram is not just another district in India; it is one of the driest. Covering 19,130 square kilometers, it is vast, but its semi-arid climate brings annual rainfall of just 560 mm—well below what’s needed to sustain its agriculture-driven economy.

Groundnut farming, a lifeline for the region, has become increasingly unsustainable. With irrigation facilities reaching only 3% of the cultivated land, many farmers face the heartbreaking decision to leave their ancestral fields behind, migrating to cities in search of a livelihood.

In 2023, the story of water scarcity hit a new low. While rainfall came in early September, groundwater levels failed to recover. Of the district’s 1,484 water tanks, over 65% have run dry. Yadiki mandal, one of the worst-affected areas, now sees groundwater levels plunging to nearly 18 meters—deeper than the height of a three-story building. In some places, the situation is even graver, requiring borewells that dig 24 meters deep.

To put this into perspective, imagine living in a region where water is so elusive that you are forced to rely on wells that reach the depths of an abyss, while other parts of the world access groundwater just beneath the surface.

Resilience in Action

Yet, despite these challenges, the people of Anantapur dist. endure. Scarcity has fostered ingenuity and resilience.

• Making Every Drop Count: For most villages, water arrives once every 4–5 days. When it does, there’s a flurry of activity—filling buckets, pots, and containers to last until the next supply. It is a well-practiced choreography born out of necessity.

• Government Initiatives: Programs like the Har Ghar Jal initiative aim to provide piped water to every home, offering a glimmer of hope for the future. Though progress is slow, it is a start.

• Innovative Farming Practices: Drip irrigation, a technique that minimizes water usage, is helping farmers sustain crops in water-scarce conditions. It is a lifeline for agriculture in a district where every drop of water is precious.

Har Ghar Jal initiative under Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide 55 liters of tap water per day to every rural household by 2024.

A Legacy of Transformation

Anantapuram’s story is not just one of struggle—it is also one of transformation. In the 1990s, the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, under the leadership of Shri Sathya Sai Baba, launched a groundbreaking water project that brought clean drinking water to over 730 villages. With 2,000 kilometers of pipeline, 18 reservoirs, and 1,500 cisterns, this initiative was a game-changer, not just for water access but for the dignity and survival of the people it served.

On 23rd November 1999, the Department of Posts, Government of India, released a postage stamp and a postal cover in recognition of the pioneering service rendered Sri Sathya Sai Baba in addressing the problem of providing safe drinking water to the rural masses.

Even today, nonprofits and community leaders step in to address emergencies, sending water tankers to the hardest-hit areas. These efforts highlight the power of collaboration and the human spirit to rise above adversity.

Reflections on a Proud Heritage

Standing in one of Anantapuram’s villages, listening to stories of resilience, I am reminded of the strength of my roots. Growing up amidst drought taught me more than just the value of water—it taught me the importance of community, resourcefulness, and hope.

Anantapuram’s story is not unique in India, but it is emblematic of the challenges and triumphs that define rural life in water-scarce regions. It is a tale of hardship, yes, but also of innovation and perseverance.

As I look back, I carry this legacy of resilience with me, and I hope to amplify these lessons far and wide. Whether it is conserving water, advocating for sustainable practices, or simply appreciating the privilege of a running tap, we all have a role to play. Because while water may flow easily for some, for others, it is nothing short of life itself.

Let's not take it for granted.