Anand Mahindra Applauds IITian-IAS Officer D. Krishna Bhaskar for Solving Groundwater Crisis in Telangana

Anand Mahindra, one of India’s most respected business leaders, is known for championing innovation, excellence, and impactful social change. Recently, he took to social media to applaud a remarkable individual whose contributions have significantly transformed lives at the grassroots level. The man in question? IAS officer D. Krishna Bhaskar, an IIT Kharagpur alumnus, who dramatically increased groundwater levels by six metres in Telangana’s Rajanna-Sircilla district — a feat achieved in under four years.

Billionaire industrialist Anand Mahindra expressed his admiration on X (formerly Twitter), lauding Bhaskar’s determination and innovation. 

“Given our involvement in the farm sector, we are all too aware of the challenge the country faces in restoring groundwater levels. So no praise can be enough for this astonishing achievement by D.K. Bhaskar. He gives us hope that none of our problems are insurmountable. All it takes is single-minded determination,”
Anand Mahindra wrote, echoing the sentiments of thousands who were inspired by Bhaskar’s success.

A Mission to Solve a Decades-Old Crisis

The Anand Mahindra endorsement comes in the wake of Bhaskar’s transformative work in Rajanna-Sircilla. When he was posted as the district collector in the drought-prone region, Bhaskar noticed the looming crisis — rapidly depleting groundwater levels, dried-up tanks, and agricultural instability that was directly affecting farmers’ livelihoods.

Instead of waiting for long bureaucratic interventions, Bhaskar rolled up his sleeves and led a massive, district-wide water conservation campaign. The objective was simple yet daunting: reverse years of water mismanagement and restore faith in sustainable practices.

Speaking to The Better India, Bhaskar described how his administration revamped over 699 water tanks, with nearly 450 of them reaching full capacity in a single season — an unprecedented success. He initiated projects that included desilting age-old tanks, trench excavation, piped water systems, and the acquisition of land to expand reservoirs. Each step was part of a larger vision to revive traditional water bodies while integrating modern solutions.

Temple Tanks and Community Involvement

One of the most impactful initiatives under Bhaskar’s leadership was Gudi Cheruvu, which involved expanding and restoring tanks located on temple premises. These tanks not only held religious significance but also served as vital water sources for nearby communities. By acquiring surrounding land and deepening these tanks, the administration ensured better water retention and availability.

Bhaskar emphasized that it wasn’t just about engineering solutions; it was about bringing the community on board. Many long-forgotten tanks, once abandoned, are now being maintained by villagers who take ownership of their local water resources. “These small tanks played a crucial role in sustaining the local communities. Some long-dormant tanks have been revived after decades,” he told the publication.

Anand Mahindra, who has often spoken about the role of community-driven innovation in India’s development, hailed this people-first approach as a blueprint for solving complex issues.

Who Is D. Krishna Bhaskar?

Anand Mahindra has always shown admiration for individuals who combine technical knowledge with public service — and D. Krishna Bhaskar fits that mold perfectly.

An alumnus of the prestigious IIT Kharagpur, Bhaskar pursued electrical engineering before joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). His passion for public welfare led him to pursue an MBA from the Indian School of Business, further strengthening his administrative acumen.

Currently serving as the Director of Industries for the Government of Telangana, Bhaskar has won accolades for his consistent excellence in governance. He was conferred the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration for two consecutive years — in 2019 for his work in Siddipet under Mission Indradhanush, and in 2020 for improving public service delivery in Rajanna-Sircilla.

His story is a shining example of how highly qualified individuals from technical backgrounds can drive systemic change in rural India — something that Anand Mahindra strongly advocates for.

Anand Mahindra’s Vision and Endorsement

For Anand Mahindra, who has always used his platform to promote innovation in education, rural upliftment, and sustainability, D. Krishna Bhaskar’s success story is deeply inspiring.

Mahindra believes that India’s challenges — be it in agriculture, education, or water management — are not beyond resolution. But they require leadership with grit, technical knowledge, and an empathetic understanding of ground realities.

“He gives us hope that none of our problems are insurmountable,”
Anand Mahindra noted, stressing the importance of single-minded focus and dedication.

Mahindra’s company has been heavily invested in India’s agricultural future and has previously supported several initiatives aimed at empowering farmers through mechanization, irrigation tools, and training. It’s no surprise that Bhaskar’s sustainable, data-driven water management approach resonated so deeply with Anand Mahindra.

A Model for the Nation

D. Krishna Bhaskar’s work, endorsed and celebrated by Anand Mahindra, sets an example for administrators across the country. His strategies could be replicated in other water-stressed regions, potentially changing the lives of millions. The blend of technology, community engagement, and political will can offer long-term, sustainable results — a message that Anand Mahindra has consistently emphasized.

In an age where news cycles are often dominated by controversy and cynicism, stories like this — especially when highlighted by voices like Anand Mahindra — serve as a much-needed reminder that change is possible, and that hope is never misplaced when backed by action.