Kalingarayan Heritage Canal Trust seeks pathway to clear garbage near aqueduct

ERODE The Kalingarayan Heritage Canal Trust has urged the Erode Corporation to construct an access pathway beneath the historic Thotti Palam (aqueduct) across the Perumpallam stream on the Kalingarayan Canal to facilitate the regular removal of garbage accumulating beneath the structure. K. Banuchandar, secretary of the Trust, said garbage had started accumulating between the pillars of the aqueduct, located at the 13/260th mile of the Canal, raising concerns over possible damage to the heritage structure.

The 14-metre-long aqueduct, with 14 vents, was constructed by Kongu chieftain Kalingarayan about 740 years ago to carry water across the Perumpallam stream. The Trust along with Panjalingapuram Uzhavar Mandram had taken steps to protect the historic structure. Separately, Mr.

Banuchandar filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court seeking protection against the demolition of the aqueduct. The Water Resources Department (WRD) assured the court that the structure will not be demolished and that maintenance works will be undertaken. According to Mr.