The immersion of Ganesh idols is a central event in the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, marking the culmination of the festival. In Hyderabad, these immersions typically generate significant excitement. However, based on a ruling from the High Court last year, police and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have halted Ganesh immersions at Tank Bund. They have set up banners around Tank Bund indicating that idols made of plaster of Paris (PoP) cannot be immersed in Hussain Sagar Lake. Additionally, iron barricades have been installed around Tank Bund.
The Ganesh Utsav Committee has expressed strong discontent with the GHMC and police’s stance. The authorities are permitting immersion of PoP idols only in baby ponds, citing concerns over waste accumulation in Hussain Sagar Lake.
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The High Court, responding to a petition about the increase in waste from PoP idol immersions, ruled on September 25 last year, denying permission for PoP idol immersions in the lake. Consequently, police and GHMC have enforced strict security measures to prevent immersion at Tank Bund.
The Ganesh Utsav Committee has sought redress from the High Court, which is scheduled to review the matter this afternoon. It remains to be seen whether the court will provide a clear route for the immersion of Ganesh idols.
