The assurance was given during the hearing of a writ petition filed by K. Banuchandar, author of Kalingarayan – Nathi Neer Enaippin Muthalvan (Pioneer of River-Water Linking), seeking protection of the structure. The petition was disposed of by the court on September 9.
A Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan, while disposing of the petition, directed the petitioner to approach the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) directly on his plea to have the aqueduct declared a heritage monument.
Mr. Banuchandar said the WRD had decided to demolish the old aqueduct and construct a new one under Government Order (G.O.) Ms. No. 39, Water Resources Department, dated July 24, 2025. He said he approached the High Court after his representations to the government seeking preservation of the structure did not result in its protection.
In his petition, Mr. Banuchandar sought an order restraining the demolition of the aqueduct and its renovation and preservation. He also sought a scientific study of its age by a panel of experts, including the ASI, carbon dating to ascertain its age, measures to strengthen the structure and ensure its stability, and its declaration as a heritage structure.
During the hearing, the WRD assured the court that the aqueduct would not be demolished and would instead be renovated and protected. Following the assurance, the petition was disposed of.
Welcoming the development, Mr. Banuchandar said the aqueduct was of considerable historical significance and described it as the State’s first aqueduct. He appealed to farmers dependent on the Kalingarayan Canal and others to support efforts to preserve the historic structure.