Historic 743-year old Kalingarayan aqueduct in Erode to be razed to make way for new structure

The 743-year-old Kalingarayan Canal aqueduct across the Perumpallam canal in Erode city, believed to be the first aqueduct in the State, will be demolished, as it has become structurally unsafe, paving the way for the construction of a new structure. Materials from the original structure would be preserved to highlight the engineering excellence of Kalingarayan, the Kongu chieftain and an early pioneer of river interlinking in the 13^th century.

The Kalingarayan Anicut and canal system, recognised as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) in 2021, is among the oldest water diversion projects in the country and continues to irrigate 15,743 acres in Erode district. Kalingarayan, the ruler of Poondurai Nadu in Kongu Nadu, constructed a barrage across the Bhavani river at Kalingarayanpalayam, from where water is diverted into a 91.10-km-long canal that joins the Noyyal river at Kodumudi. The project was executed between 1270 and 1282.

The 41-metre-long aqueduct with 14 vents was built at Karai Vaikkal across the Perumpallam canal. Scottish physician and surveyor Francis Buchanan, who visited Erode in 1800, described the canal as an outstanding engineering work in his book A Journey from Madras through the Countries of Mysore, Canara and Malabar, published in 1807.

Repair attempts

Researcher and author K. Banuchandar said the aqueduct had undergone several renovations during the British period, including works by engineer C.E. Faber in 1833.

Leakages from the structure had increased over the years, and repeated repair attempts failed, leaving replacement as the only viable option.

The researcher, however, has called for the preservation of the historic aqueduct, describing it as a heritage structure that should be declared a monument. He said that instead of demolishing the aqueduct, a new structure could be constructed parallel to it, as adequate space is available at the site. Farmers, history enthusiasts and local residents have also urged the government to protect the aqueduct, stressing that its demolition would lead to the erasure of a significant part of the region’s history.

The Water Resources Department (WRD), through Government Order No. 39 dated July 24, 2025, approved renovation works for the canal from mile 12-3-348 to mile 15-4.5-195 at an estimated cost of ₹83.30 crore. The project includes the demolition of the existing aqueduct and construction of a new one.

A WRD official said irrigation water supply through the canal would be stopped on March 31, 2026, and the works would begin on April 1, 2026. The new aqueduct will have five vents to ensure uninterrupted flow in the Perumpallam canal, the official added.