Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Why Jhansi’s 140-Year-Old Parichha Dam Earned Global Heritage Recognition
Parichha Dam is a very old dam in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
It was built nearly 140 years ago.
The dam helps move water from the Betwa River to farms in Bundelkhand.
It stores water and releases it when needed for agriculture.
The area often does not have enough water.
The dam also provides water to a large thermal power project.
An international organisation has recognised the dam as an important irrigation structure.
It will receive its award in Marseille, France, on October 14, 2026.
Parichha Dam in Jhansi has served Bundelkhand for nearly 140 years.
The dam channels Betwa River water to farms across the region.
The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage recognised it as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure.
The dam stores and regulates water for agriculture in water-stressed Uttar Pradesh.
Its reservoir also supplies water to the 920-MW Parichha Thermal Power Project.
- Who
- Parichha Dam and the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage are central to the recognition.
- What
- The dam has been recognised as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure and will receive the WHIS Award-2026.
- When
- The award ceremony is scheduled for October 14, 2026; the dam has served the area for nearly 140 years.
- Where
- Parichha Dam is in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, and the award will be presented in Marseille, France.
- Why
- It continues to store and regulate Betwa River water for agriculture and supplies water to the Parichha Thermal Power Project.
- Structure
- Parichha Dam
- Age
- Nearly 140 years old
- River
- Betwa River
- Recognition
- World Heritage Irrigation Structure (WHIS)
- Recognising body
- International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID)
- Award
- WHIS Award-2026
- Power project
- 920-MW Parichha Thermal Power Project