The Water Resources Department (WRD) is optimistic about completing the renovation of the Kalingarayan Canal in time for the scheduled release of water on June 16.

The 91.10-km canal, built by Kongu chieftain Kalingarayan in the 13th century, irrigates 15,743 acres across three taluks in the district and supports cultivation of turmeric, banana, sugarcane and other crops for nearly 10 months in a year. However, indiscriminate release of sewage and dumping of household waste have severely polluted large stretches of the canal.

A separate baby canal, constructed 11 years ago between Bhavani and Vairapalayam, failed to address the pollution. Subsequently, it was decided to extend the baby canal and undertake development works along additional stretches of the main canal, following which the WRD submitted a proposal to the government.

An order was issued on July 24, 2025, to renovate the canal between mile 12/3/348 and 15/4.5/195. The project includes construction of protection walls on both sides for 4.65 km; formation of a 4.22-km baby canal; reconstruction of 67 sluices, two bridges and an aqueduct; construction of two underpasses; renewal of an outlet shutter; construction of ‘C’-type staff quarters; and provision of chain-link fencing for 0.70 km.

After water discharge in the canal was stopped on April 7, 2026, works began on April 11. However, intermittent rain and the resultant flow of water in the canal affected the works.

Meanwhile, the proposal to demolish the existing aqueduct, popularly known as Karai Vaikkal, and construct a new one has been dropped following strong opposition from farmers, who demanded that the aqueduct be protected and declared a heritage structure.

A senior WRD engineer told The Hindu on the condition of anonymity that works relating to the baby canal could not be taken up because of rain and would be done during the next water stoppage season. The engineer said nearly 50% of the protection wall works had been completed and other components of the project were also being expedited.

While officials are hopeful of completing the works as scheduled, sources said the nature of the project could result in a delay of about 15 days beyond the planned completion date.