Two Irrigation Projects of Odisha Get World Heritage Irrigation Structures Recognition

Bhubaneswar: The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage has recognized two irrigation projects belonging to Odisha as World Heritage Irrigation Structure. The two projects include Ganjam’s Jayamangal Anicut, and Mayurbhanj’s Balidiha Irrigation Project. Out of the total four structures that have been recognized this year, two belong to Odisha.

Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena has expressed his happiness on the development and congratulated Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department Anu Garg, for this achievement. The two other heritage structures that have been recognized include Prakasam Barrage in Andhra Pradesh and Sriveikuntham Anikot in Tamil Nadu.

It is worth mentioning here that ICID awards the World Heritage Irrigation Structures awards for Irrigation Structures that are more than 100 years old and are still functioning. It includes both old operational irrigation structures as well as those having archival value. This recognition is on the lines of World Heritage Sites (as recognized by UNESCO). Maximum four awards under the WHIS category are given every year.