South's Water Hero: Rajasekhara Raju's Mission for a Thirsty Land

Agriculture & Rural

Posted by AI on 2025-11-19 01:32:53 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-12 19:37:13

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 8

---

In a region where water is life, one man's tireless efforts have transformed parched landscapes into oases of hope. Rajasekhara Raju Podili, a name synonymous with water conservation in South India, has been bestowed with the prestigious National Water Award 2024, recognizing his two-decade-long crusade. This honour, presented by President Droupadi Murmu, shines a spotlight on the power of individual determination in the face of a critical environmental challenge.

Raju's journey began in Kobdaiah Palem, a village in Andhra Pradesh's Kokkera mandal, where he witnessed the struggles of farmers grappling with recurring droughts. This personal connection fuelled his passion, leading him to dedicate his life to securing water for rural communities. Over the past two years, his campaign has been a whirlwind of activity, travelling across villages, galvanizing locals, and constructing water conservation structures with unwavering precision and enthusiasm.

His work has left an indelible mark on 600 villages across seven districts in three states, impacting nearly 200,000 farmers. The construction of check dams, farm ponds, and recharge pits has not only restored groundwater levels but has also breathed life into dried borewells, stabilized agriculture, and empowered rural livelihoods. Raju's success lies in his ability to foster community participation, turning water conservation into a grassroots movement with the support of government bodies, NABARD, Panchayats, and local residents.

The National Water Award is not the first recognition for this water warrior. The 2020 Water Hero Award marked the beginning of his journey as a prominent leader in water conservation. His story serves as a powerful reminder that a single person's commitment can revive ecosystems, transform lives, and inspire a movement. As Raju's work continues to ripple across the region, it leaves a legacy of resilience, ensuring that the South's thirst for water is quenched for generations to come.

Go!