The Eri (tank) network in the Kazhuveli watershed region in Villupuram district is proposed for nomination to the World Monuments Fund Watch 2025 programme. This network, dating back thousands of years, showcases a remarkable water management system in South India.
Description of the Kazhuveli Watershed Region
- The Kazhuveli watershed region spans from Gingee to Marakkanam and extends to the Auroville plateau, covering an area of 740 sq. km.
- It features an extensive network of tanks, demonstrating advanced water management techniques developed over millennia.
World Monuments Fund Watch 2025 Programme
- The Watch 2025 programme is a nomination-based initiative connecting local heritage preservation with global awareness and action.
- It highlights places in need of support and recognizes communities preserving heritage to address contemporary challenges.
Nomination Team
- The nomination for the Eri network is led by cultural heritage specialists Aghash Natarajan and Helen Crutcher, along with environmental conservationist Induja Gandhiprasad.
- Aghash Natarajan and Helen Crutcher are graduate students from the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, and Induja Gandhiprasad is associated with Auroville.
Importance of Traditional Water Management
- South India’s traditional water management system has sustained agriculture for thousands of years.
- Despite its historical significance, the system has faced decline due to various factors.
- Reviving these networks is crucial for preserving cultural heritage and maintaining ecological balance.
Project Objectives
- The project aims to nominate the Kazhuveli watershed area, encompassing the tank network, for recognition.
- Pilot projects will be initiated in Munnur village to develop a heritage toolkit for wider application.
- Community involvement and local expertise will be emphasized to enhance water resilience in the face of climate change.
Endangered Heritage
- The Adavalleswarar temple in Munnur, dating back over 1,500 years, bears inscriptions on the Eri system.
- While the tanks remain, heritage components have been lost, leading to reduced utilization and highlighting the system’s endangered status.
Stakeholder Engagement
- The team has engaged with various stakeholders, including the district administration, NGOs, and experts.
- Positive responses and support have been garnered, with plans to establish a core stakeholder group for project management.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary focus of the World Monuments Fund Watch 2025 programme?
- a) Local economic development
- b) Global heritage preservation
- c) Environmental conservation
- d) Educational initiatives
- Answer: b) Global heritage preservation
- Who is leading the nomination for the Eri network in the Kazhuveli watershed region?
- a) Government officials
- b) Local farmers
- c) Cultural heritage specialists and an environmental conservationist
- d) International researchers
- Answer: c) Cultural heritage specialists and an environmental conservationist
- What is the significance of the Adavalleswarar temple in Munnur?
- a) It is a modern architectural marvel.
- b) It houses a rare collection of ancient artifacts.
- c) It features inscriptions related to the Eri system.
- d) It serves as a center for community gatherings.
- Answer: c) It features inscriptions related to the Eri system.