Farmers Rally to Protect 750-Year-Old Kalingarayan Aqueduct from Demolition
In Erode, Tamil Nadu, a significant controversy has erupted as local farmers, spearheaded by K Bhanuchander, vehemently oppose a notice issued by the Water Resources Department (WRD) in April regarding the construction of a new bridge over the historic Kalingarayan canal. The proposed project threatens the demolition of a 750-year-old aqueduct, sparking widespread concern over heritage loss and environmental impact.
Historical Significance and Engineering Excellence
K Bhanuchander, a farmer and author of the book 'Kalingarayan: Nathi Neer Enaippin Muthalvan', emphasizes the immense historical value of the structure. "The aqueduct here is 750 years old," he states, highlighting that the bridge over the Perumpallam stream at Karaivaikkal is among the oldest archaeological bridges in Tamil Nadu. This ancient marvel was repaired 222 years ago by British engineer George Reed and continues to function effectively, with only minor leaks that Bhanuchander insists can be addressed without demolition.
Other farmers in the region have joined the chorus, urging the WRD to explore alternative solutions. They advocate for preserving the upper aqueduct, seeking intervention from the Archaeological Survey of India to declare it an ancient monument, and promoting it as a testament to Tamil engineering prowess. The Kalingarayan Dam, from which the canal originates, is the second-oldest in Tamil Nadu, and the canal itself is recognized by the International Commission on Irrigation & Drainage as one of the oldest river-linking projects and a World Heritage Irrigation Structure.
Environmental and Heritage Concerns
The Kalingarayan canal, which once spanned 143km from Bhavani to Karur, connecting multiple rivers, now runs for 91km from Kalingarayanpalayam to Avudaiyarparai. However, farmers point out that pollution from household waste and effluent discharge from textile dyeing units poses a more pressing issue than the need for a new bridge. "The government was supposed to build an effluent treatment plant, but that never materialized, leading to sewage flowing into the river," explains a local farmer. "Instead of destroying heritage, efforts should focus on addressing this pollution or constructing a new bridge adjacent to the old one."
This movement underscores a broader clash between development and preservation, with the community calling for sustainable practices that honor Tamil Nadu's rich historical legacy while tackling contemporary environmental challenges.
