TARA NIRMAN KENDRA

TARA NIRMAN KENDRAs (TNKs) are the building centres of the Development Alternatives Group. The focus of this group is to promote alternatives, and ensure the transfer of these technologies from "lab to land".

The Delhi and Bangalore based TNKs, as well as the TARA Gramin Nirman Kendra at Orcha, operate within their geographical regions of influence. The various institutions have undertaken the task to promote awareness and know-how, through various campaigns.

TNKs take regular part in construction related exhibitions, all over the country. The efforts to disseminate information are further aided with direct links to professionals in the construction industry (architects, engineers, consultants, corporates, institutions and practitioners).

With regularly published articles and brochures, TNKs have also built various demonstration sites all over India. Many of these structures, some of them within the TNK premises, demonstrate that an affordable quality dwelling unit is not beyond the modest means of the common man. TNKs do not always promote entirely new construction technologies, but demonstrate how an efficient mix and match of readily available technologies and materials result in buildings which are strong, durable and affordable.

The three TNKs mention above also provide "on site" training programs dealing with production and use of appropriate building units, and improved construction techniques. They are available to everybody, from proffesionals, to students and masons. These programs are undoubtedly most important for the spread and successful application of effective building technologies.

Each TNK works in partnership with regional NGOs. The programmes for Selection and Upgradation of Technologies for Rural Areas (SUTRA) have been designed to help the TNKs reach grass-root partners in remote parts of the country. TNKs cans, through this programme effectively provide partner specific information and consultancy, useful for improving shelter quality in rural areas as well as the transfer of technical know how through training and networking with other technical institutions and building centres.