UP's Parichha Dam Wins Global Heritage Award

The 140-year-old Parichha Dam in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, has been recognized as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure (WHIS) by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID). The dam will receive the WHIS Award-26 during the 26th ICID International Congress and 77th International Executive Council Meeting in Marseille, France, on October 14.

The Principal Secretary, Irrigation and Water Resources, Anil Garg, stated that the department received a letter from ICID on August 13 informing them about the award. Department officials have been invited to attend the ceremony.

Located on the Betwa River in Jhansi, the Parichha Dam has played a crucial role in the irrigation system of Bundelkhand for nearly 140 years. It is a key component of the Betwa Canal System, which supplies water for agriculture to drought-prone areas of Bundelkhand. The dam is approximately 1174 meters long and stands about 16.8 meters above the riverbed, with 318 steel gates used to regulate and release water as required.

Over the past few years, the dam's water storage capacity has been increased from around 1700 million cubic feet to approximately 2400 million cubic feet. Despite being around 140 years old, the dam continues to serve its purpose efficiently, benefiting irrigation in several areas of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

The Parichha Dam also supplies water to the Parichha Thermal Power Project, which has a power generation capacity of 920 MW. Plans to develop the Parichha Dam date back to the 19th century, with construction beginning in 1881 and the dam becoming operational in 1886.

The selection of the Parichha Dam for the WHIS Award-26 represents the legacy of Bundelkhand's irrigation system, which has provided water to farmers and supported agriculture for generations. The Yogi government is working on preserving and recognizing the state's historic water structures while simultaneously strengthening modern irrigation infrastructure.

The global recognition accorded to the Parichha Dam is a significant outcome of these efforts. The dam's recognition as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure is a testament to its importance in the region's irrigation system and its continued efficiency despite being over 140 years old.

The award ceremony in France will be a significant event, with department officials attending to receive the award. The recognition of the Parichha Dam as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure is a major achievement for the state of Uttar Pradesh and a testament to its rich engineering heritage.

In conclusion, the Parichha Dam's recognition as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure is a significant milestone, highlighting the importance of preserving and recognizing historic water structures while strengthening modern irrigation infrastructure. The award is a testament to the dam's continued efficiency and its crucial role in the region's irrigation system.

The global recognition of the Parichha Dam will also boost tourism in the region, with the dam's spectacular view during the monsoon season already attracting tourists. The development of the dam and its surrounding areas will have a positive impact on the local economy and will provide opportunities for growth and development.

Overall, the recognition of the Parichha Dam as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure is a significant achievement, and the award ceremony in France will be a proud moment for the state of Uttar Pradesh and its people.