Vinod Kumar Flags Threat to Ramappa Temple From Proposed Venkataapur Mine

Former BRS MP Boinapally Vinod Kumar has called on the Centre and Telangana governments to withdraw the proposed PVNR opencast coal mine at Venkataapur in Mulugu district, warning that the project could pose a serious threat to the historic Ramappa Temple, Ramappa Lake and the Kakatiya-era irrigation network.

Vinod Kumar argued that it would be unreasonable to put nearly 800 years of heritage at risk for a coal project expected to operate for only around 19 years. He said the matter should not be viewed merely as a dispute over a mining project, as the proposed excavation could have implications for a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounding water bodies, agricultural land, irrigation channels and the livelihoods of local communities.

He cited a report submitted by the Kakatiya Heritage Trust to Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, which reportedly states that the proposed mine could reach a depth of about 300 metres. The project site is also located around five kilometres downstream of the Ramappa Temple and Ramappa Lake, according to the report.

Vinod Kumar also referred to the proceedings of the 2026 UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting, saying the committee had welcomed steps to expand the buffer zone around the Ramappa World Heritage Site. The proposed expansion would cover the ancient Kakatiya irrigation system, canals and Ramappa Lake. He said the committee had encouraged the submission of a proposal on the expanded buffer zone by February 1, 2027.

Concerns have also been raised over the possible impact of mining-related activities on the temple's structural stability. Vinod Kumar said blasting during excavation could cause repeated ground vibrations, while changes in groundwater movement and geological conditions could create additional risks. He noted that Ramappa Temple already faces structural issues, including cracks and differential settlement.

He further highlighted the importance of Ramappa Lake, which has a storage capacity of around 3 TMC and can potentially support irrigation across nearly 30,000 acres. Any disruption to the lake and the traditional irrigation network, he said, could have wider consequences for agriculture and local communities.

Vinod Kumar maintained that he was not against development, Singareni Collieries or India's energy requirements. However, he said coal resources could be explored elsewhere, whereas the cultural and historical value of Ramappa could not be replaced once damaged. He urged both governments to balance development needs with the protection of heritage and environmentally significant assets.