In addition to the construction of the first embankments in the 18th century, the issue of navigation on the Tisza River, specifically its regulation, also arises.
In the first half of the 19th century, the regulation of the Tisza River becomes increasingly relevant for economic reasons, leading to the commencement of the first regular hydrological observations and surveys of its riverbed.
Experts begin to work on specific projects for regulating the riverbed of the Tisza, with the goal of quickly and safely directing the large waters.
From 1850 to 1875, work begins and is completed on the regulation of the Tisza River, with 110 new channels being dug. By the end of the century, two more channels were excavated, completing the regulation of the Tisza with a total of 112 channels, covering a length of 136 km, thus shortening the original course of the Tisza River to 966 km.
The responsible approach to the regulation of the Tisza is evidenced by a special regulation decree for its regulation, and the work was entrusted to engineers from Vienna.
In our region, three channels were excavated:
- 1855-1856: Channel number (94), known as the Ađanski-Molski Channel. Its length was 2,030 m, and the length of the old course was 4,684 m.
- 1860-1863: Channel number (95), known as the Vranjevački (Medenjački) Channel. Its length was 3,232 m, and the length of the old course was 14,649 m.
- 1854-1858: Channel number (96), known as the Borđoški Channel (Pearl Island). Its length was 6,302 m, and the length of the old course was 23,060 m.
By the end of the 19th century, further work was carried out on the arrangement of the channels: blocking off old branches with earth, constructing dikes from mixed materials, dredging shoals, regulating banks with fascine structures, and similar tasks.
For example, in 1895-1896, the state constructed a stone quay near Novi Bečej, which was supported by the embankment. This was done as part of the regulatory works. That wall remained in place until 1980 when it was demolished, and a new quay was built in its place.
Downstream of Novi Bečej, about 2 km long, the Novi Bečej Water Association defended its embankment on 40 reference points, aiming to push the river's main current further from the shore. These dikes are now submerged due to the slowing of the Tisza River after the construction of a dam, but older sport fishermen remember them as “spurs.”
During the works to regulate the Tisza River, there were professional disputes, setbacks, and failures, but in the end, the project was successful. Water diversion from the upper course was accelerated, and the once frequent flooding of the most fertile agricultural land in the Pannonian Plain ceased. The large waters were finally directed through the riverbed designated for such flows, between the defensive embankments, and out to the Danube.
By the end of the 19th century, embankments, drainage channels, and pumping stations were built, which speaks to the scale of the undertaking.
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