Hyderabad is gearing up for the grand Ganesh idol immersion scheduled for September 25. Police and civic authorities have made several arrangements across the city to manage the large number of idols and devotees expected to participate.
One of the major points of discussion this year is the restriction on immersion from the Tank Bund road side of Hussain Sagar. Authorities have said that idols should be taken to designated immersion points instead. Barricades and warning boards have been installed along the Tank Bund area to prevent direct immersion from the road.
There are also separate rules for Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. Such idols cannot be immersed directly into Hussain Sagar or other natural water bodies. Instead, organisers are required to take PoP idols to specially prepared artificial or ‘baby’ ponds.
Designated immersion facilities are being arranged at locations including NTR Gardens, People’s Plaza and Necklace Road. Cranes, platforms and other equipment are being installed to make the immersion process faster and safer. Permitted clay and eco-friendly idols can be taken to designated lake-side points, while PoP idols will be handled at artificial ponds.
The restrictions have been a subject of discussion for several years. Rules concerning PoP idols and the Tank Bund immersion point are separate. The restrictions do not mean that all immersion activities around Hussain Sagar have been stopped. Instead, authorities are directing organisers to specific locations and facilities.
