Chank Tapu Lighthouse is situated on the North Eastern point of vast Bural reef. The Bural reef is in continuity of many reefs and shoals in the region close to Salaya Port.It is possible to reach the Lighthouse by a machine boat from Salaya port during the high tides. However during low tides, the boat can go up to the nearest edge of the reef and then the remaining distance up to the lighthouse has to be covered by walk. There is no shelter provided at the Lighthouse. As such the lighthouse work party camps at Kalubhar tapu and from there they attend this lighthouse.In 1885 a stone mound was built at the same site over which a flag staff was erected which served the crafts sailing during the day to and from Salaya port. In the year 1928 the mound was remodelled and an iron trestle frame was erected over it to support an oil lamp. Then in 1934 a proper Lantern with 6th order optic was installed. The Lascars from Kalubhar Lighthouse attended Chank Lighthouse also. They used to take a sail boat from Kalubhar adjusting tide timings to reach Chank Tapu before dusk. The light used to remain inoperative during the monsoons. The oil lamp was replaced by a DA gas flasher in the year 1952.During 1969-70 the Lighthouse structure was improved and the new DA gas equipment in 300mm optic with sun valve(AGA) was installed in place of the old one. In the year 1987-88, the old structure was dismantled and a new square masonry base was built over which a new Trestle Tower was erected. The same DA gas equipment was reinstalled over the trestle frame work. The DA gas equipment was removed and Solar operated flasher (JLWL) was installed in the same optic and was commissioned on the 12th March 1994.
Location:
Chank Tapu Lighthouse Jamnagar-361345
State: Gujarat
Related Information
Position - 220 32.8’N 690 24.6’E
Characteristic - flash White every 15 sec
Tower Colour - Black and White bands
Tower - Square concrete Base supporting 6m high trestle Tower
Height above MSL - 15m
Range - 11 NM
Optical Equip - 300 mm cut and polished drum optic inside 300mm Lantern (AGA)
Illuminant - 12V 100W Halogen lamp
Source of Energy - Maintenance free Batteries charged by SPV modules
Commensed year - 1928
Subsequent Innovations - 1934, 1952, 1970, 1988, 1994