Former BRS MP B Vinod Kumar has opposed a proposed Singareni open-cast coal mine near the historic Ramappa Temple in Mulugu district.
Speaking at Telangana Bhavan on Tuesday, Vinod Kumar urged the Centre and Telangana government to cancel the project. The proposed mine is at Venkatapuram village, about five km from Ramappa Temple.
He said the 800-year-old temple is an important example of Kakatiya architecture. UNESCO declared Ramappa Temple a World Heritage Site in June 2021.
According to Vinod Kumar, Singareni Collieries Company Limited has proposed the mine in the area. He said the project could reach a depth of around 300 metres, while the coal reserves are expected to last about 19 years.
Vinod Kumar questioned whether an ancient heritage site should face risks for a mine with a limited lifespan. He also urged Union Minister G Kishan Reddy and the Mulugu Collector to intervene.
He said UNESCO is seeking views on expanding the Ramappa heritage area by February 2027 and called for the mining proposal to be dropped.
