India’s Nomination for World Monuments Fund Watch

The Eri (tank) network in the Kazhuveli watershed region, Tamil Nadu was recently proposed for nomination to the World Monuments Fund Watch 2025 programme.

About Eri tank Network:

• South India has an outstanding water management system which has sustained agricultural practices for thousands of years.
• An Eri or tank system is one of the oldest forms of water conservation systems in India.
• The focus lies in nominating the watershed area consisting of the network of tanks that is a one-of-a-kind ecosystem covering a large landscape.
• There are no perennial rivers in Tamil Nadu except the Thamirabharani River which flows through Thirunelveli district.
• So, several hundred years ago a simple system was devised to fully utilize the rainwater and many Eris are still in use for irrigation purposes.
• They act as water reservoirs and flood control systems, prevent soil erosion, recharge groundwater, and prevent wastage of runoff water during heavy rainfall.
• The Adavalleswarar temple in Munnar has inscriptions on the Eri system and its management by the local communities.
  • It is over 1,500 years old and dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Although the tank is still intact, the heritage components have been destroyed and utilization of the tanks has reduced.

Significance:

• The city of Auroville in Puducherry has been planned based on its link with the system and is interdependent.
• Communities can ensure water resilience amidst climate change threats by reconnecting with their heritage and co-designing approaches with local expertise.
• Heritage will retake its place as a community asset if the nomination is accepted.

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