Hyderabad: Ganesh immersion restrictions around Hussain Sagar and Tank Bund triggered objections from organisers and devotees during the Vinayaka Chavithi festivities. The dispute centred on curbs affecting large Plaster of Paris idols.
Authorities prohibited the immersion of large PoP idols in Hussain Sagar. They cited environmental concerns and directions from the Telangana High Court for the restrictions. Instead, authorities arranged artificial immersion ponds at several locations across Hyderabad. These facilities provided an alternative for idol immersion during the festivities.
Police also increased security around Tank Bund. Moreover, they restricted vehicles carrying idols from approaching the area. Authorities directed small and medium-sized idols towards designated immersion facilities across the city.
Ganesh immersion restrictions face organisers’ opposition
However, the Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi opposed the Ganesh immersion restrictions. The organisation argued that artificial ponds could not accommodate massive idols. The uncertainty also drew attention to several prominent Ganesh idols in Hyderabad. These included the Khairatabad Maha Ganapathi and idols from Balapur, Chikkadpally and Kachiguda.
Traditionally, the Khairatabad Ganesh immersion has formed a major part of Hyderabad’s annual Ganesh procession. Organisers have taken the idol towards the NTR Marg or Tank Bund area for immersion.
Meanwhile, organisers insisted on following the traditional immersion route during this year’s festivities. Authorities, however, maintained restrictions that they said were intended to protect Hussain Sagar.
Consequently, the Ganesh immersion restrictions emerged as a point of contention between organisers and authorities during the festivities.