Kalingarayan Anicut

Mamannar Kalingarayan Anicut is a dam constructed on the Bhavani river (tributary of Kaveri River) in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located just before Kooduthurai where Bhavani combines with Cauvery, in Bhavani, Erode.[1]

Mamannar Kalingarayan Anicut
Location of Mamannar Kalingarayan Anicut in Tamil Nadu
Official name	Mamannar Kalingarayan Dam
Country	India
Coordinates	11°26′31.8″N 77°40′35.5″E
Status	Operational
Opening date	1283
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	Embankment and Barrage
Length	902.5 m (2,961 ft)

History

The anicut was constructed in the 13th century by the Kongu Tamil Chieftain Mamannar Kalingarayan Gounder and his birth name is Lingaiya Gounder. This irrigation project involved the construction of a dam and barrage to divert the water to Kalingarayan Canal. It is one of the ancient River linking project, which established the link between Bhavani river and Noyyal river. The Kalingarayan Anicut was built in 1283.[2] [3]

Improvements

In 2016, the Government of Tamil Nadu undertook a development to strengthen the dam's embankments by concrete plugging.[4]

Tourism promotion

The Government of Tamil Nadu planned to convert the dam into a tourist attraction.[5] It is designed to have a children's park, along with a memorial hall and statue, expected to open in 2017.[6] [7]

References

1. "Kalingarayan Anicut A00214". India-WRIS. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
2. Kalingarayan Canal Water Quality Study (PDF). Central Pollution Control Board. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
3. "Memorial in Honour of Kalingarayan-CM". New Indian Express. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
4. "Strengthening work of Kalingarayan Anicut in concluding". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
5. "Kalingarayan sluices opened, Erode-all set for farming". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
6. "Soon, a memorial for Kongu chief who built a grand canal". Times of India. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
7. "Kalingarayan Manimandapam project progressing well". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 December 2016.