Farmers oppose demolition of 743-year-old Kalingarayan Canal aqueduct in Erode

With the aqueduct of the 743-year-old Kalingarayan Canal across the Perumpallam canal slated for demolition to pave the way for a new structure, farmers have urged the State government to drop the move and declare it a protected monument.

The canal, built in the 13th century by Kongu chieftain Kalingarayan, irrigates 15,743 acres and is among the region’s oldest interlinking projects. The aqueduct, known as Karai Vaikkal, has developed seepage and has been deemed structurally unsafe. The Water Resources Department has sanctioned ₹83.30 crore for renovation of a three-mile stretch, including demolition of the existing aqueduct and construction of a new one. Work is set to begin on April 1, 2026, after water release is stopped on March 31.

Farmers representing the Kalingarayan Kalvai Pasana Vivasayigal opposed the demolition, calling the aqueduct a heritage structure. On Thursday (February 19, 2026), they, along with members of various political parties, gathered at the site, prepared pongal, offered prayers and raised slogans against the move. They also sought measures to prevent effluents and household waste from entering the canal.

Farmers said the aqueduct is an engineering marvel and noted that Scottish physician and surveyor Francis Buchanan, in his 1807 publication, had described the canal as an outstanding engineering work. They stressed that the centuries-old structure, still in use, should be preserved.