In Mahalpada village in Gujarat’s Dang district, water once disappeared soon after the monsoon ended, forcing families to abandon farming and migrate for survival. Instead of waiting for large external projects, residents chose a different path — collective action. Working together, villagers constructed and repaired small check dams designed to slow water flow and allow rainwater to seep into the ground, gradually recharging the declining water table.

The impact was transformative. Water began lasting beyond the rainy season, agriculture revived, and local employment opportunities emerged within the village itself. Migration reduced significantly as farming became viable throughout the year again.

But the change went beyond water conservation. The community built 230 household toilets, introduced regular sanitation practices, and formed self-help groups — many led by women — to maintain hygiene, savings, and social welfare initiatives. These efforts improved health conditions and strengthened local governance.

Mahalpada’s story highlights a powerful lesson: sustainable rural transformation rarely comes from a single intervention. By combining water management, sanitation, and community participation, the village replaced seasonal struggle with long-term resilience — proving that grassroots solutions can sometimes succeed where large systems fail.