Art & Culture 17 August 2026
Jhansi’s 140-Year-Old Parichha Dam Earns Global Heritage Status by ICID
Why in the News?
The 140-year-old Parichha Dam, located across the Betwa River in Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh), has been recognized as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure (WHIS) by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID). The heritage recognition will be formally presented in France during the 26th ICID International Congress in October 2026.
Key Features / Major Points:
Global Recognition: Along with Parichha Weir, three other irrigation structures from India have also been selected for this honour.
Engineering Features: Built across the Betwa River, the weir spans 1,174 metres in length and stands 16.8 metres high, serving as the headworks of the Betwa Canal System.
Historical Significance: Construction began in 1881, and the canal network was commissioned in 1886. It currently irrigates lands across five districts in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Previous Recognition: Earlier in 2022, the Sukwa-Dukwan Dam located in Jhansi was included in the ICID heritage list.
Static GK Facts:
Establishment of ICID: 1950 | Headquarters: New Delhi, India
President of ICID: Dr. Marco Arcieri
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath | Governor: Anandiben Patel
Origin of Betwa River: Vindhya Range (Raisen, Madhya Pradesh) | Tributary of Yamuna River
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Which 140-year-old structure in Jhansi was recently designated as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure (WHIS)?
Answer: Parichha Weir
Where is the headquarters of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) located?
Answer: New Delhi, India