Illegal mining activity impacting 15th century structure, say temple, ASI officialsA stone beam of the mandapam that houses the Nandi idol at the Sri Yaganti Uma Maheswara temple in the district broke on Monday afternoon allegedly due to the blasts done at illegal mining sites within a 5 km radius of the temple, Archaeological Survey of India and Endowments Department officials have said. Temple Executive Officer Devulapalli Prasad told The Hindu on Tuesday that ASI officials had propped up the beam with some metal pipes. He expressed concern over the illegal mining activity continuing in the vicinity of the temple with loud sounds and vibrations coming from the blasts done there. Mines closedASI Kurnool district in-charge Y. Dhaka Reddy said all the mines were closed up to Basvannakatta near the Yaganti temple two years ago, but some miscreants kept conducting blasts for illegal mining which was impacting the 15th century structure. Mining and Geology Assistant Director Venugopal expressed concern at the illegal mining activity continuing though 12 of the leases for mosaic chips/ colour stones, were cancelled.

Source: The Hindu January 26, 2021 19:47 UTC