Koti Lingala, the temple shrine of Lord Shiva, as well as the first capital city of the Satavahana dynasty, located on the shores of the Godavari, is on the verge of submergence with the backwaters of the Sripada Yellampalli project touching the temple shrine.
Located on the picturesque serene atmosphere surrounded by thick forests and mountains, this temple shrine - Sri Koteshwara and Siddeshwara Swamy Devasthanam in Velgatoor mandal - is on the verge of submergence and the revenue authorities have also alerted people to vacate the village and move to the Relief and Rehabilitation Colony near Velgatoor police station.
Presently, the backwaters of the Sripada Yellampalli project have touched the temple bathing ghats as water level in the project is 143.72 meters against the full reservoir level of 148 meters. The project was having 10.193 tmcs of water against the total capacity of 20.175 tmcs on Monday. The project was receiving inflows of 2,886 cusecs, and outflow was 242 cusecs for NTPC reservoir, and 158 cusecs for Hyderabad metro water works.
Locals complain that the authorities have failed to provide complete rehabilitation to the project oustees and there that are no adequate facilities at R&R Colony. Ramanna, a villager said that they would relocate to the colony only if the government provides them with all the compensation promised earlier.
Historians want the government to construct a protection wall around the temple on the lines of Alampur temple in Mahabubnagar district to protect the shrine and the place. Already, several artefacts of historical importance of Koti Lingala were damaged due to unscientific excavation at this village, they allege.
During its hey days, the rulers used the place for transportation of goods as was evident from the wharf on the shores of the Godavari.
Buddhism and Jainism also prevailed in the region on ‘Munula Gutta’ as was evident during the excavations made by the State Archaeology Department.
