NGRI to study threat to ancient Ramappa temple

WARANGAL: Following protests from local politicians, educationists and other civil groups for the last 10 days, the state government has requested the National Geological Research Institute (NGRI) experts to study the damage that could be caused to the historical Ramappa temple due to the Devadula tunnel works.  As part of the works, rocks are being blasted which is leading to cracks on the wall of houses nearby. The Coastal company, which had taken up the works, even paid compensation to those whose houses were damaged.The district officials said that apart from the NGRI scientists,  experts from the Central Institute of India Mines and Fuel Regional Centre (CIMFRC), Rock Acceleration and Mining Engineering department, IIIT- Hyderabad and NIT- Warangal will conduct a detailed study in the next four days.The third phase of the Devadula tunnel works were launched from Palampeta in Venkatapuram mandal. The Ramappa temple is on the outskirts of Palampet. While the Devadula engineering officials argue that the blasting of rocks, works would not cause any damage to the temple, there are others who say that the temple will get damaged as it falls within 1000 metres from the site.TRS district convener said they had urged the district collector to stall the tunnel works till it was confirmed that there was no damage to the historical structure. “We can tell about the danger to the temple only after completion of the study,” NIT retired Prof Panduranga Rao said. “Ramappa temple was built using sand box technology and it has no pillars. We need to preserve such rare structures .” According to Panduranga Rao, during Nizam rule, when the ceiling of the temple got damaged, supporting pillars were erected under the supervision of the then archaeology minister.