The Development of Humane Action Foundation (DHAN) of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, has successfully initiated an extensive programme to revive tanks (earthen- bunded reservoirs constructed across slopes). Mismanagement and neglect of more than 100,000 traditional tanks in the Deccan Plateau have led to severe water scarcity. There are some 150,000 tanks in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. DHAN has generated awareness among people of the benefits of tanks. It has gone ahead to mobilise communities, helped them in arranging resources, shared knowledge in planning of the works, and involved people in its implementation. The idea is to make people more self-reliant and not wait for the government for every development activity.