Jagannadha Raju Nagar (JR Nagar), near Old Venkojipalem in Visakhapatnam, has emerged as an example of community-led water conservation.
Residents say the colony has not faced a water crisis or depended on private water tankers despite declining groundwater levels in several localities.
The colony's rainwater harvesting initiative began in 2010 when its Resident Welfare Association made recharge pits mandatory for new buildings.
Today, every apartment complex and individual house in the colony has a rainwater harvesting structure.
The residents have also constructed recharge structures at several locations along roads and in common spaces.
The colony benefits from its geographical location, with rainwater flowing from a nearby hill towards the residential area.
Nine rainwater harvesting structures have been developed in suitable open spaces to collect and recharge runoff.
Rainwater from rooftops is directed through pipes into recharge pits containing layers of gravel, sand and stones.
The filtered water gradually percolates into the ground and helps replenish underground aquifers.
Residents have also converted some unused septic tanks into rainwater harvesting pits after proper cleaning and treatment.
The colony received the Best RWA in Water Management award at the Water Digest World Water Awards 2023–24.
The JR Nagar model demonstrates how sustained community participation and mandatory rainwater harvesting can help improve urban water security.