Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Art & Culture
Why in News?
Heritage activists, including the Kakatiya Heritage Trust (KHT), have opposed the proposed PVNR Opencast Coal Mine.
PVNR Opencast Coal Mine Project
- Proposed at – Venkatapur, Mulugu district, Telangana.
- The project is associated with Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).
- The proposed excavation depth is approximately 300 metres.
- The site is located approximately 5 kilometers downstream of Ramappa Lake and the Ramappa Temple.
Key Concerns
- Groundwater and Hydrological Impacts – Water from Ramappa Lake may influence regional groundwater movement through the following mechanisms:
- Geological lineaments
- Faults
- Interconnected fractures
- Deep excavation downstream is likely to create a hydraulic gradient.
- This condition could accelerate groundwater seepage.
- Stability of Ramappa Lake – Concerns have been raised regarding the absence of a cut-off trench.
- The movement of water through interconnected fractures could compromise the stability of the lake.
- Foundation of Ramappa Temple – The Ramappa Temple is constructed on a distinctive sand-box foundation.
- Interconnected geological lineaments may affect the foundation through processes such as piping and seepage.
- Vibrations Induced by Mining Activities – The immediate impact of blasting activities has reportedly been assessed as low.
- However, concerns have been expressed that repeated vibrations may have cumulative effects on the nearly 800-year-old structure.
- Existing concerns include the following:
- Fractures
- Differential settlement
- Distress in parts of the temple
- Ecological and Socio-economic Considerations – Potential impacts may include the following:
- Biodiversity
- Local environment
- Communities dependent on Ramappa Lake
- Local socio-economic and cultural interests.
Reference
The Hindu | Threat to Ramappa Temple and Ramappa Lake
