84-Revival of tanks boost to rural economy

Abstract

India is a country in the world where water is worshipped. Starting from the time child is born to the last rites performed on his death water is invariably used. Equally worshipped are water sources like tanks and rivers. In India, hardly a village shall be found without a tank. Plight of people belonging to the villages not having tanks can be understood rather felt. Most of the tanks are centuries old need strengthening, cleaning and increased capacity. Tanks also need assured supply to fulfill the annual need. Tanks can be recharged and revived by diverting surface water during monsoon. Tanks can get assured supply from the nearby canal sources. Tanks are very much an integral part of social life, people gather around the tank and socialize. Overall tanks are contributing towards the economy of the village. Increased reliance on tanks and neglected maintenance has worsened the tanks conditions, which ultimately affects the eco balance. Tanks can be revived and made useful with zero investment in the materials. Use of local material and little awareness can be of much use to make the tanks fully active. Labour available in plenty, at village level and beneficiaries of tanks can be exploited positively and in a participatory way. If all the tanks in India are revived in a participatory way and subsequently maintained in a healthy way. Their cumulative effect can give big boost to the rural economy, on which major part of the national economy rests.