The demolition of an ancient Shiva temple believed to be nearly 800 years old has triggered outrage in Telangana’s Warangal district, with villagers and political leaders accusing authorities of destroying a key piece of the region’s historical heritage in the name of development.
The temple, located inside a historic mud fort in Ashok Nagar village under Khanapur mandal, was allegedly razed during land-levelling work for the construction of an Integrated School project.
Locals say the shrine dated back to the Kakatiya era and stood within a mud fort believed to have been built during the reign of Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva.
The controversy quickly escalated after visuals of the demolished structure spread through the area, sparking anger among residents who said they had spent years urging authorities to restore the abandoned temple.
VILLAGERS SAY TEMPLE WAS IGNORED FOR YEARS
Residents claimed the Shiva temple had long remained in a neglected condition despite repeated appeals to the government for restoration and revival of traditional rituals.
According to villagers, no conservation work was undertaken even as the structure deteriorated over the years.
Locals also alleged that unidentified people had targeted the abandoned temple site several times in search of hidden treasure and had even used explosives at the location in the past.
The latest demolition, however, has left residents furious.
“How could such a historically important temple be demolished without the Archaeology Department even stepping in?” asked one villager during protests at the site.
SCHOOL PROJECT TRIGGERS HERITAGE ROW
The dispute began after the state government identified more than 30 acres of land in the area for the construction of an Integrated School under its flagship education initiative.
During the site-clearing process, the ancient temple structure was allegedly flattened.
The incident triggered criticism from across political lines, with leaders demanding accountability and immediate reconstruction of the shrine.
Villagers warned of protests if action was not taken against those responsible for the demolition.
OFFICIALS PROMISE RECONSTRUCTION
Following the backlash, Warangal District Collector Satya Sharada and Narsampet MLA Donthi Madhava Reddy visited the site.
Speaking to reporters, MLA Madhava Reddy said the land had been selected for the school project because of its vast open space and greenery, but officials failed to notice the ancient temple during the survey.
He assured residents that the Shiva temple would be rebuilt at the same location alongside the proposed school project.
The MLA also said an idol of Goddess Saraswati would be installed at the reconstructed shrine.
District Collector Satya Sharada described ancient monuments as “rare heritage assets” and said such structures must be preserved for future generations.
She said the administration would consult the Archaeology Department, study the original temple design and take steps to reconstruct the shrine accordingly.
POLITICAL BLAME GAME INTENSIFIES
The demolition has now turned into a political flashpoint in Telangana.
BJP district general secretary Rana Pratap Reddy strongly condemned the demolition and demanded that the temple be reconstructed in its original architectural style.
He alleged that the structure had been demolished without approval from the Archaeology Department.
Former BRS MLA Peddi Sudarshan Reddy also attacked the government, accusing authorities of neglecting Telangana’s heritage under the guise of development.
He demanded strict action against the contractor involved in the demolition and sought clarity on whether official permission had been granted before the structure was razed.
For many residents, the issue is no longer just about a demolished temple, but about whether centuries-old heritage can survive rapid development projects without proper protection.
– Ends
Published By:
Sonali Verma
Published On:
May 8, 2026 23:55 IST
