Alkoda Lake
Watershed
Reviving Alkoda Lake: Restoring a Lifeline for Communities and Nature
A watershed transformation that is rippling prosperity in community
100 Acre
LakeRevived
64 Cr Litres
Annual Water Storage Capacity600 Acres
Land Brought Under Cultivation650 Households
Benefitted withLivelihood
Introduction
Water bodies are often at the heart of rural communities, sustaining livelihoods, supporting biodiversity and strengthening local ecosystems. In Alkoda village of Raichur district, a 100-acre lake once played this vital role, serving as a key source of water for agriculture, livestock and everyday life. Over time, however, encroachments, pollution and years of neglect diminished the lake's capacity and ecological value.
As groundwater levels declined and water availability became increasingly uncertain, the challenges extended beyond the lake itself, affecting agricultural productivity, livestock rearing and the overall well-being of surrounding communities. Restoring this critical natural asset was essential for reviving the ecosystem, strengthening water security and creating sustainable benefits for communities across the region.
Our Intervention
We undertook a comprehensive lake rejuvenation initiative, driven in collaboration with local communities, government authorities and environmental experts. From securing approvals and clearing encroachments to addressing access challenges, every step reflected a shared commitment to restoring a resource that belonged to the community.
The 100-acre lake was desilted by removing 2.3 lakh m³ of silt and 4,550 m³ of weeds, supported by the construction of 80 borewells and farm ponds. Plantation, culverts were also undertaken to strengthen this even further. Together, these efforts transformed a degraded water body into a thriving ecosystem capable of supporting both nature and livelihoods.
Impact
Today, Alkoda Lake has once again become a source of life for the region. Improved water availability through new borewells and farm ponds has enhanced groundwater recharge, brought 600 acres of land under cultivation and strengthened water security for communities and livestock. Beyond water, the intervention has restored hope and opportunity.
The revived ecosystem, expanded green cover and strengthened biodiversity are creating long-term environmental benefits, while improved livelihoods and agricultural resilience are enhancing the quality of life for over 650 households across 15 villages. What was once a degraded water body now stands as a symbol of collective action and sustainable transformation.
