COIMBATORE: A controversy has erupted over the ongoing restoration of the Kurichi anicut across the Noyyal river, with environmental activists and farmers accusing environmental NGO Siruthuli of non-technical modifications and damaging an ancient stone structure. Following widespread criticism, the water resources department stepped in, directing the NGO to halt the work and restore the stones to its original condition.Siruthuli has been carrying out desilting and rejuvenation work at the Kurichi anicut for nearly two months, aiming at boosting water-holding capacity by carving out a new pond. However, activists allege that earthmovers deployed for the work completely excavated and disturbed centuries-old stone alignments integral to the check dam.Highlighting the violations, R Manikandan of Kovai Kulangal Padhukappu Amaippu petitioned district collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar a few days ago, seeking immediate intervention. “British-era records describe Kurichi anicut as an ancient, uneven loose-stone structure superseded by a newer barrage built ahead of it. Furthermore, stone inscriptions found at the Perur temple refer to a ‘Kolur dam’, widely identified as this anicut. These invaluable stones have now been uprooted without scientific assessment,” Manikandan said.The NGO has elevated the bunds, disrupting natural buffer zones. Farmers said tampering with the original riverbed posed severe flood risks.Officials from the district archaeology department inspected the location and submitted a preliminary appraisal to the collector. “The stone alignments were undeniably disturbed. While their precise historical vintage is under evaluation, directions have been issued to reinstate the stones and involve nodal authorities during any further earthwork,” an official said.Refuting the charges, Siruthuli chief operating officer C Chinnasamy maintained that the works adhered to hydrological realities. “River geometry cannot be judged from a single cross-section; the upstream stretch remains broad. There are no definitive historical records for these stones, and local accounts suggest they were placed merely to facilitate percolation,” he said.The district collector stated that the water resources department had been ordered to carry out a joint inspection with the archaeology department. “They have been asked to submit a detailed assessment of the site. Appropriate action will be taken based on their findings,” he said.
