The British did something similar for irrigation by replacing the system of local canals and ponds, whose upkeep was the responsibility of the area villages and towns, by larger canals whose water could be controlled by them. The local systems fell into disuse, the ponds silted up, and this was a contributory cause of the horrific famines that hit India in the 19th century. The traditional system of governance of the irrigation system is also described in the Sundaravarada Temple inscription.