Taanka
Taanka (Drinking water storage tank) - A taanka is an underground tank with a
cylindrical structure of a 10’ x 10’ size. Around the taanka, a catchment area is prepared
which collects the rain water and lets the water pour into taanka through filtered inlets
made on the external wall of the structure. Average water storage capacity of a taanka is
around 20,000 liters of water. After fully filled, this amount of water is sufficient for a
family of 5-6 members for a period of 5-6 months. Construction of such taankas is a
major activity of the GRAVIS.
Picture of taanka
The unskilled labor is always provided by the beneficiary family. The skilled labor which
includes the masonry work is provided by skilled men. GRAVIS field staff and GRAVIS
engineer supervise the construction.
At an average, GRAVIS constructs nearly 200 taankas in Thar every year. Till date (up
to March 31, 2007), 3,047 taankas have been constructed by GRAVIS. With proper care
and maintenance, the taankas remain functional over a long period of time. With the new
experiences and learning gained, GRAVIS has made several improvements in its design,
which are listed below:



Construction of artificial catchments around taankas – which increase the inflow
of water in the tanks ensuring maximum water storage even with minimum
rainfall
Construction of filtered inlets for inflow of water in the taankas – this prevents
dust and other unnecessary particles/elements to go inside the tank and improves
the water quality.
Making a cemented apron around the walls of taankas to prevent damage to the
walls under earth due to seepage of water

Construction of an outlet for regulating the outflow of excess water and for
ventilation
GRAVIS field team provides necessary orientation and training to beneficiary families
about the maintenance of taankas. The beneficiaries of taankas are chosen by the village
community through the facilitation of GRAVIS field tem. The priority is given to poorest
and most needy.
Cost Break-ups
GRAVIS, FY 2008-09
WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Table 1: Household Taanka
Capacity : 21 m3
Catchment area: 330 m2
Particulars
Excavation work
Stones ( for super structure)
Bricks
Stone slabs
Coarse sand
Gravels
Cement bags
Lid
Mesh
Mason-1
Unskilled labour-2
Murrum
Catchment bed prepration
Murrum spreading
Water
Charges of camel cart
Total
Project Cost
Beneficiary contribution
Amount (Rs.)
1000
840
4500
1760
1500
400
3400
150
200
1600
1600
3250
750
500
600
150
22200
15000
7200
Details
- 10 work days
# 250 stones, including transportation
# 1800, with transportation
-size(no.):10'(2), 5'( 4), 4'(6), 2'-3'(16)
- 30 bags
- about 100 tubs
17 bags
- for 8 days
- 7-8 trollies
tractor
- 5 work days
- to facilitate compaction work