ERODE: Dumping of large quantities of industrial waste, including chemical, plastic and thermocol, continue to pollute the 737 years old Kalingarayan canal. The 90.5 km long canal helps in irrigating 15,743 acres of land located on both the sides of the canal from Bhavani to Kodumudi. Desilting and concrete lining of the canal was carried out by the Public Works Department two years ago. Earlier a baby canal was constructed to prevent the main canal from dumping of untreated industrial waste, but the dumping continued. “Vegetable waste, rotten food items, garlands, plastic bottles, and other type of waste is dumped in the canal”, said Kulandaivela, a resident of Karungalpalayam.
The waste material dumped results in choking the flow of water. According to members of the Kalingarayan Mathaku Pasana Vivasayigal Sabai, city officials should start monitoring the canal and come out with measures to control further damage.