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Tamil Nadu turns to traditional rainwater harvesting

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April 29, 2024

In Ramanathapuram, a drought-prone district in southern Indian, an ancient method of collecting rainwater is helping ease the problem. Known as ‘tanka’ water harvesting, the system ensures local communities have access to drinking water.

Climate change has led to seawater encroaching on coastal communities in southern Tamil Nadu. That’s playing havoc with the salination levels of local groundwater - making it undrinkable. It’s a big problem – but there is a solution: Water Tanka.

Tanka is an ancient water harvesting system. It collects rainwater and provides communities with a consistent supply of drinking water. Each construction holds around 60,000 liters of water which is enough to supply nearly 280 families with clean drinking water for two to three months. It also makes life easier for the communities’ traditional water collectors – the women.

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