Jaladhara: Gravity- Drinking Water for Tribal Villages

In the remote tribal villages of the Alluri Seetharamaraju District, access to clean and safe drinking water has long been a major challenge. Despite the region’s rich natural water resources, the hilly terrain and scattered habitations have made water collection difficult, leading to frequent health problems such as viral fevers and diarrhoea.

To overcome this challenge, D. Sarada Trust launched the Jaladhara Project in 2006, a gravity-based water supply initiative designed to provide safe and sustainable drinking water to tribal communities.
Since its inception, 36 Jaladhara systems have been successfully implemented across agency areas, directly benefiting hundreds of tribal families.

From the Hills to the Heart — Gravity That Brings Life

Project Implementation Method

Each Jaladhara project begins with identifying natural water sources in forested hill regions — a process carried out with the active participation of local villagers.

Water Source & Collection:
Water sources, often situated at higher elevations, are tapped by constructing a collection tank near the site.

• Gravity Flow Network:
  Using a gravity-based pipeline system, water flows naturally from the collection tank over a distance of 2–3 kilometres through rugged terrain to reach the villages — without the need for electricity or pumps.

• Filtration & Distribution:
  On arrival at the village, water passes through a filtration tank that removes dust and impurities.
  The filtered water is then stored in a main distribution tank and finally supplied directly to households, ensuring safe and reliable access.

Impact of the Jaladhara Project

The Jaladhara Project has brought transformational change to remote tribal areas by ensuring clean, dependable drinking water at the doorstep.

Key outcomes include:

• Reduction in waterborne diseases and related health issues.

• Significant time savings for women and children, enabling them to focus on education and livelihoods.

• Enhanced community hygiene, livelihood security, and quality of life.

Financial Assistance & CSR Support

The Jaladhara initiative is supported by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions from leading Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), including:

• Visakhapatnam Port Trust

• Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)

• Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)

• Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (Visakhapatnam Steel Plant – RINL)

Their partnership has been crucial in expanding the project’s reach and sustainability.

Comprehensive Results

• 36 water supply projects completed, serving multiple remote villages.

• Safe drinking water access for hundreds of tribal families.

• Improved community health and hygiene standards.

• Empowerment of women and children through reduced domestic workload.

A Model for Sustainable Rural Development

Through the Jaladhara Gravity Water Supply Project, D. Sarada Trust has demonstrated how simple, nature-based solutions can transform rural lives.
By bringing clean water to the doorstep, the Trust continues to promote health, dignity, and sustainability among tribal communities in the hills of Andhra Pradesh.