A ribbon of water meandering through the landscape. That’s the Diramatore Vigevano. It’s not just a canal. It’s a lifeline. A testament to human ingenuity.
The Diramatore Vigevano wasn’t always called that. Originally known as the Cavo Belletti it honors the engineer Giuseppe Belletti. He championed irrigation in Cerano and Romentino. His vision brought life to this arid land. The canal’s current name reflects its role. It branches off the Cavour Canal near Galliate. It irrigates the vast area south of Vigevano. That’s why it bears the city’s name.
Construction began in 1868. The Cavour Canal was already in place. Yet its initial design lacked branches. The Diramatore Vigevano addressed that. It provided the crucial irrigation network the plain needed. The land between Terdoppio and Ticino was transformed. It became fertile and productive. The Diramatore Vigevano wasn’t simply dug. It was a complex undertaking. It involved engineering skills and careful planning.
The Diramatore Vigevano isn’t just for irrigation. It generates hydroelectric power. Numerous power plants dot its course. Many have been renovated and upgraded in recent years. Est Sesia manages the water flow and power generation. They ensure this resource is used sustainably.
Beyond its practical uses the Diramatore Vigevano is a habitat. It’s home to a diverse array of fish. You’ll find cyprinids and salmonids. The latter are introduced by the FIPSAS Novara association. To fish here you need a permit. It’s a protected waterway. The Diramatore Vigevano’s story is one of transformation. It’s a story of human endeavor. It’s a story woven into the fabric of the Lombardy and Piedmont regions. It’s a vital artery irrigating the land feeding the people providing power. The Diramatore Vigevano is more than a canal. It’s a living testament to human ingenuity and nature’s resilience.