The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begun rebuilding two ancient temples in Vellatur, Suryapet district, more than two decades after the structures were affected by the Pulichintala project on the Krishna River. Reconstruction of the Sri Chennakesawa Swamy and Sri Shiva temples is expected to be completed before March 2027.
The ASI Hyderabad circle has started basic work at the site, where stone members from the temples had remained for several years. The structures were among the heritage buildings identified for translocation to a rehabilitation and resettlement centre when the irrigation project commenced in 2004-05.
The temples at Vellatur, along with the Sri Shiva Temple at Gundlapally, were identified during preliminary explorations ordered by the then undivided Andhra Pradesh government in 2004. The three structures date from between the 12th and 15th centuries. Reconstruction of the Gundlapally temple was completed in 2021-22, while work on the two Vellatur temples remained pending.
Dr Nikhil Das, superintending archaeologist of the ASI Hyderabad circle, told Deccan Chronicle that administrative challenges had delayed the work. The agency retrieved the records, prepared revised estimates and obtained a letter of credit from the ASI headquarters before commencing reconstruction, he said.
The project has been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs 1.72 crore. About Rs 1 crore has been earmarked for resetting the temple structures, with the balance allocated for landscaping and other amenities. Officials said the basic structure is expected to be completed within a month, although the full works are scheduled to continue until before March 2027.
A major technical challenge has been documenting and identifying the stone members before placing them back in their original positions. Conservation officials said each component is being examined in relation to the other structural elements to preserve the architectural character of the temples and retain the original stonework.
The foundation design is based on a geo-technical report submitted by experts from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal. The reconstruction will use lime concrete, with the work proceeding layer by layer, according to sources cited in the report.
The case highlights the long implementation timelines that can follow when heritage structures are relocated for major water infrastructure projects. Although the temples were identified for translocation when the Pulichintala project began, the rebuilding of the two Vellatur structures remained unresolved until the ASI secured updated administrative and financial clearances.
The temples are not under the ASI. After reconstruction and associated works are completed, the structures will be handed over to the Telangana government, which will assume responsibility for them.
