Could you imagine steel from the Titanic supporting Kolkata’s water supply? That’s the fascinating story of TANK No 14.
Welcome to TANK No 14. This colossal water tower is more than just a reservoir. It’s a symbol of Kolkata’s resilience. It is also a testament to engineering ingenuity. For over a century, TANK No 14 has quenched the thirst of this bustling metropolis.
Let’s dive into the history of this impressive structure. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kolkata faced a growing demand for clean water. The existing underground reservoir at Wellington Square simply couldn’t keep up with the burgeoning population. Arthur Peirce and W. B. MacCabe conceived a daring solution. They envisioned a massive overhead water tank.
Construction of TANK No 14 began in 1909. Babu Khelat Ghosh donated the land. This act of philanthropy ensured the project could proceed. Several companies contributed their expertise. M/s T K Mukherjee and Co. handled the piling work. M/s Martin and Co. built the reinforced concrete foundation. M/s Clayton, Son and Co. fabricated and erected the steel columns and tank.
The materials came from across the British Empire. Burmese teak wood formed part of the structure. Special anti-corrosive steel plates were shipped from Middlesbrough, England. This very steel was of similar quality to that used in the RMS Titanic. The TANK No 14 construction completed in January 1911. The total cost was ₹1.1 million.
TANK No 14 is massive. It stands 110 feet tall and covers 3-4 acres. Its capacity is 9.9 million imperial gallons. That is around 45,000 cubic meters. When full, TANK No 14 weighs 44 thousand tonnes. The tank has four isolated chambers. A single pipeline both fills the tank and supplies water to the city.
TANK No 14 has faced numerous threats over the years. The 1934 Nepal-India earthquake tested its structural integrity. During World War II, Japanese aerial bombings posed a constant danger. The British camouflaged the tank with grass. This made it appear as an open field from above. Cyclone Amphan in 2020 threatened to topple the structure. Engineers devised a plan to maintain weight balance. This prevented any damage.
In 2016, a major restoration effort began. Experts identified structural weaknesses. The repairs cost ₹100 crore. It took seven years. It used 3,600 tonnes of steel. Renovations occurred one chamber at a time. This ensured uninterrupted water supply to the city.
TANK No 14 continues to serve Kolkata. It is a vital part of the city’s infrastructure. Its renovation ensures functionality for another century. The tank acts as a balancer. It fills during off-peak hours. It supplies water during high demand.
As you stand before TANK No 14, consider its incredible history. Think of the engineers. Think of the workers who built this marvel. Remember the challenges it has overcome. TANK No 14 is a symbol of Kolkata’s strength. It represents the city’s ability to endure and thrive. It supplies water for over 5 million people which is one third of Kolkata’s population. It connects Kolkata to the story of the Titanic.