New Delhi, Nov. 6 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken Suo Motu cognisance of concerns over a proposed coal mining project near Telangana's UNESCO-recognised Ramappa Temple and Ramappa Lake, observing that the matter raises substantial issues relating to compliance with environmental norms and implementation of environmental laws.

A bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. Afroz Ahmad registered the original application based on a news report titled "Activists Worry Coal Mine Near Ramappa Temple May Harm Heritage Site and Lake", published on October 5.

The Tribunal noted that the proposed coal mining project is located near the Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, popularly known as the Ramapp...