Proposed mine: Singareni has proposed an open-cast mine at Venkatapur with mining depth of around 300 metres, according to the speakers.
Ramappa heritage site: The proposed mining area is stated to be about 5 km downstream from Ramappa Temple and Ramappa Lake. Groundwater concern: Geological faults, joints and fractures could influence groundwater movement and seepage between the lake area and proposed mine.
Temple foundation and vibrations: Concerns were raised about the temple’s confined sand-box foundation, existing structural issues and the possible long-term effect of repeated blasting vibrations.
Call for protection: The speakers urged Singareni to withdraw the project and asked the Telangana government to conduct a detailed technical and environmental assessment to protect the Ramappa heritage site.
Concerns Raised Over Proposed Singareni Open-Cast Mine Near Ramappa Temple
Warangal: Concerns have been raised over the possible impact of the proposed Singareni open-cast coal mine at Venkatapur on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ramappa Temple and the Ramappa Lake.
Prof. M. Pandu Ranga Rao, a trustee, said the proposed open-cast mine, planned to a depth of around 300 metres, is located about five kilometres downstream from the Ramappa Lake and Ramappa Temple. He said the project requires careful technical and environmental assessment considering the geological conditions of the area.
A media conference was held at the Warangal Press Club by BJP senior leader and former Mayor Dr. T. Rajeshwar Rao, voluntary organisation representative Mandala Sriramulu and former Palampet Sarpanch Mohan Rao.
Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Pandu Ranga Rao urged Singareni Collieries Company Limited to withdraw the proposed open-cast mining project and appealed to the state government to take steps to protect the Ramappa Temple and Lake.
He referred to geological studies and said the area has several major and minor faults, joints and fractures. The lineaments in the region are reported to follow NNW-SSE, E-W and NE-SW directions, while the rock strata have a dip towards the northeast.
According to the concerns raised based on Geological Survey of India (GSI) observations, the water level of Ramappa Lake may influence groundwater movement through joints in the underlying rock formations. The speakers said this groundwater movement could extend towards the proposed 300-metre-deep mine.
Ramappa Lake has an estimated storage capacity of around 3 TMC and supports irrigation in a large agricultural area. The lake was formed by an earthen bund constructed between two hill formations. The speakers expressed concern that the absence of a cut-off trench could increase seepage if mining alters the hydraulic conditions in the area.
The foundation of Ramappa Temple was also highlighted as a major concern. The temple is understood to have been constructed using a confined sand-box foundation system. The speakers referred to GSI observations regarding the possibility of piping along interconnected geological features and said changes in groundwater conditions could affect the foundation system.
The impact of blasting was another issue raised at the meeting. While the immediate effect of blasting vibrations on the temple may be limited, the speakers said repeated and long-term vibrations could potentially contribute to structural fatigue. They also pointed to existing cracks and differential settlement reported in some parts of the temple structure.
The speakers further expressed concerns over the possible impact of open-cast mining on biodiversity, local communities, agriculture, air quality and the cultural and religious importance of the Ramappa heritage area.
They also warned that changes in groundwater flow and seepage could potentially affect the Ramappa Lake bund. However, such a scenario would require detailed scientific assessment before drawing conclusions about the extent of any possible risk.
The speakers appealed to the state government and Singareni authorities to consider the technical findings, environmental concerns and the cultural significance of Ramappa before taking a final decision on the proposed mining project.
