Archive · 19 Aug 2026
140-Year-Old Parichha Dam Wins Global Irrigation Heritage Recognition
Parichha Dam is a very old dam in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
It was built more than 140 years ago.
The dam stores and controls water from the Betwa River.
Its water helps farmers in parts of Bundelkhand and nearby areas.
It is also connected to the Betwa Canal System.
The dam now holds more water than it did before.
An international organization has recognized it as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure.
Officials will receive its award at a meeting in Marseille, France, in October.
The 140-year-old Parichha Dam in Jhansi has been recognized as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure.
The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage will present the WHIS Award-26 in Marseille, France, on October 14.
Built on the Betwa River, the dam supports the Betwa Canal System and irrigation in drought-prone Bundelkhand.
The dam is about 1,174 meters long, 16.8 meters high, and has 318 steel gates.
Its storage capacity has increased from about 1,700 million cubic feet to approximately 2,400 million cubic feet.
- Who
- The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage recognized Parichha Dam; Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department officials are expected to attend the award ceremony.
- What
- Parichha Dam was designated a World Heritage Irrigation Structure and will receive the WHIS Award-26.
- When
- The award ceremony is scheduled for October 14; the department received notification on August 13.
- Where
- The ceremony will take place in Marseille, France, while the dam is located on the Betwa River in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- The recognition reflects the dam’s historic engineering importance and its continuing role in irrigation and water supply.
- Dam age
- Approximately 140 years
- Construction
- Began in 1881; became operational in 1886
- Location
- Betwa River, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
- Length and height
- Approximately 1,174 meters long and 16.8 meters above the riverbed
- Gates
- 318 steel gates
- Storage capacity
- Increased from about 1,700 million cubic feet to approximately 2,400 million cubic feet
- Award ceremony
- WHIS Award-26 presentation scheduled for October 14 in Marseille, France