ClimateAugust 16, 2026

anicuts

AN-ih-cuts

Definition

A masonry or concrete dam or weir built across a stream or river to divert water for irrigation purposes.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Tamil 'aṇaikkaṭṭu', which combines 'aṇai' (dam) and 'kaṭṭu' (to tie or construct). It entered English during the colonial period to describe traditional irrigation structures found in South Asia.

In the news

Anicuts are identified as specific pieces of water management infrastructure that the government is rehabilitating to improve water retention before the rainy season.

Climate resilience: Govt. races to restore 100 tanks and canals

Read the full article ↗

The Morning

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