Mining poses no threat to Ramappa Temple: Singareni
Hyderabad: The management of Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. (SCCL) on Monday, October 5, 2026, said reports suggesting that its mining activities could endanger the Ramappa Temple in Telangana’s Mulugu district are “merely misconceptions and are completely untrue.” The company asserted that it remains committed to protecting the UNESCO World Heritage site and will move forward only after a thorough scientific appraisal.
Company clarification and assurances
Responding to concerns over the proposed Venkatapur Open Cast project in Mulugu district, the State-owned coal miner said it has decided to proceed solely on the basis of comprehensive scientific studies. SCCL stated that any future action will strictly follow findings submitted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other reputed institutions.
Positioning itself as a responsible public sector undertaking of the Telangana government, the company stressed that it would not cause “any damage, whatsoever” to the Kakatiya-era Ramappa Temple. SCCL reiterated that conducting “environmentally sustainable and legally compliant” mining operations remains among its highest priorities.
Proposed project and next steps
The Venkatapur Open Cast project is proposed in the Mulugu region, where the Ramappa Temple and the adjoining Ramappa Lake are situated. SCCL clarified that it will await and abide by formal scientific evaluations before deciding whether and how to proceed. The company underscored that ASI inputs, alongside assessments by other expert agencies, will be central to determining the project’s feasibility and safeguards.
Political pushback from BRS
The assurances from SCCL drew immediate political scrutiny. K.T. Rama Rao, working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), alleged that the State government led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is “conspiring to destroy” heritage sites to exploit coal reserves beneath them. He warned that blasting and large-scale excavation associated with open cast mining could harm the UNESCO-recognised temple, known for its rare sculptural splendour, and threaten the very existence of the Ramappa Temple and Ramappa Lake.
K.T. Rama Rao said the BRS would “strongly oppose any attempt to damage or destroy” the State’s cultural heritage. He demanded that the government and Singareni withdraw any proposal for an open cast mine near the heritage site.
Awaiting scientific evaluation
With SCCL’s commitment to proceed only after scientific scrutiny, the next steps hinge on assessments by the ASI and other expert bodies. The company’s stance and the opposition’s objections set the stage for a decision-making process that will focus on heritage protection, environmental safeguards, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
The debate underscores the sensitivity surrounding development activities in the vicinity of protected monuments. As scientific reports are compiled and reviewed, SCCL has reiterated that safeguarding the Ramappa Temple will remain paramount in any determination regarding the Venkatapur Open Cast project.
