NHRC seeks Telangana government’s report on Ramappa opencast mining

Mulugu: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the State government on opencast mining at Ramappa in Mulugu district.

Amid concerns over a possible threat to historic Rudreshwara Temple, popular called as Ramappa Temple, a Hyderabad based advocate Ramarao Immaneni filed a complaint with the NHRC explaining that the opencast mining could pose a threat to Darmaraopet, Ramappa Lake, surrounding villages, forest areas and agricultural lands.

He stated that the vibrations caused by blasting and excavation activities pose a risk of permanent damage to Ramappa Temple besides affecting the livelihoods of locals, the environment, and biodiversity.

Immaneni argued that allowing the project without conducting transparent studies on its environmental, social and heritage impacts violates the rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

In response to the complaint, the NHRC has forwarded a copy to the Chief Secretary of Telangana government, directing the official to submit an action taken report within four weeks, the advocate said.