ASI urges State not to demolish 743-year-old Kalingarayan Canal aqueduct in Erode

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has urged the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Conservation and Rivers Restoration Corporation Limited (TNWRC and RRC) not to demolish the 743-year-old aqueduct of the Kalingarayan Canal across the Perumpallam canal in Erode city, which is proposed to be replaced with a new structure in April 2026.

In a letter dated March 5, 2026, the Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Chennai Circle, wrote to the Chairman and Managing Director of TNWRC and RRC requesting that the aqueduct, considered a heritage structure, be preserved. The ASI also said it was willing to provide technical support for repair, renovation or conservation, if its assistance was sought.