3 Andhra irrigation structures awarded World Heritage tag

VIJAYWADA: Three irrigation structures in Andhra Pradesh have been selected by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) for World Heritage Irrigation Structures. P Anil Kumar, Minister of Irrigation (Water Resources), Government of Andhra Pradesh, announced the awards. Porumamilla Tank, Kadapa; Cumbum Tank, Prakasam and Kurnool Kadapa (KC) Canal wereamong the four structures chosen from India for the world heritage tag.

According to Anil, 14 structures have been identified from around the world by ICID from several submissions made by each country. The commission has selected 14 structures, which are at least 100 years old, from across the world. Four of them are from India including three from Andhra Pradesh and one from Maharashtra.

Porumamilla tank, Cumbum tank and KC canal from 13^th, 15^th and 18^th century respectively, have been providing irrigation and drinking water needs of the state. The minister also said that ICID has agreed to the proposal of the state to conduct its triennial International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID Congress). He added that it will be held in India after 57 years, in Vishakhapatnam.