Arikamedu archaeological site (Puducherry) facing encroachment from construction

Arikamedu, a 2,000-year-old Indo-Roman trade site on the Ariyankuppam river near Auroville, has documented encroachment from a residential construction project on its southern edge. ASI records show the site boundary but signage is absent. Local archaeologists have flagged the issue to ASI Chennai circle since November 2025 with no site inspection. The site is unprotected under any heritage act despite its national significance.