Jhansi’s Parichha Dam Named World Heritage Irrigation Structure

Why in News?

The 140-year-old Parichha Dam in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, has received international recognition after the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) recognised it as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure (WHIS).

The dam will also receive the WHIS Award-26 during the 26th ICID International Congress and 77th International Executive Council Meeting, scheduled to be held in France in October 2026.

Key Points

Parichha Dam is located on the Betwa River in Jhansi and has played an important role in the irrigation system of the Bundelkhand region for nearly 140 years.

The dam is a key component of the Betwa Canal System, which supplies irrigation water to several drought-prone areas of Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Construction of the dam began in 1881, and it became operational in 1886.

The dam is approximately 1,174 metres long and stands about 16.8 metres above the riverbed. It has 318 steel gates that regulate and release water according to requirements.

Its water-storage capacity has been increased from approximately 1,700 million cubic feet to around 2,400 million cubic feet, enabling it to support irrigation more effectively.

Despite being around 140 years old, the dam continues to perform its primary functions and remains an important component of the regional water-management system.

Other Significance

Besides irrigation, Parichha Dam supplies water to the Parichha Thermal Power Project, which has a power-generation capacity of approximately 920 MW.

The dam also has tourism potential, particularly during the monsoon when opening its gates creates a notable visual spectacle.

About World Heritage Irrigation Structures

The World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS) recognition is associated with the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) and aims to recognise historically significant irrigation structures that demonstrate the development and contribution of irrigation engineering and water management.

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