Uma Shankari Though the neglect and decline of tank irrigation has been well documented its critical importance to survival in semi-arid areas has only recently begun to be appreciated. While some discussion has started on how to rejuvenate tank irrigation into a functional and efficient system, viable models involving user participation are yet to be evolved. This essay outlines the problems associated with tanks in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh and makes an assessment of the prospects of user participation.