Protect Ramappa Temple, Drop Open-Cast Mining Proposal: Vinod Kumar

BRS leader and former MP B. Vinod Kumar questioned whether the 800-year-old Ramappa Temple should be put at risk for a coal mine that would supply coal for only 19 years. Speaking to the media at Telangana Bhavan on Tuesday, he said the BRS strongly opposed the proposal to undertake open-cast mining by Singareni Collieries at Venkatapur, located just five kilometres from the historic temple.

Vinod Kumar urged both the Central and Telangana governments to give top priority to protecting the Ramappa Temple. He said no activity that could harm the temple should be permitted, even if gold were to be found at the proposed mining site. He also demanded that Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy intervene immediately, hold discussions with Singareni authorities and ensure that the open-cast mining proposal is withdrawn. Former MLA Gandra Venkata Ramana Reddy and other BRS leaders were present at the meeting.