Ganesh immersion: Here are dos and don’ts for festival this year

Hyderabad: Prasads Multiplex, a popular entertainment hub in Hyderabad, has announced a temporary closure as the city gears up for the upcoming Ganesh immersion festivities.

The decision comes in light of the surge in visitors to Prasads Multiplex, owing to the increased footfall in the Tank Bund area due to the ongoing Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

In response to heightened activity and security concerns, the management has decided to temporarily suspend operations on the day of immersion.

Increased Footfall amid Ganesh Chaturthi

Over the past few days, Prasads Multiplex has witnessed a substantial increase in visitors, thanks to the festive atmosphere in the Tank Bund vicinity during Ganesh Chaturthi. The immersion of Lord Ganesh idols is a significant event in Hyderabad, attracting thousands of devotees and spectators. Given the anticipated influx of people, Prasads Multiplex has taken a precautionary measure by closing its doors on immersion day.

Traffic Advisory and Key Junctions

Hyderabad Traffic Police have issued an advisory urging citizens to avoid roads within a two-kilometer radius of Khairtabad Bada Ganesh during the Ganesh immersion event. The decision to temporarily close Prasads Multiplex aligns with this advisory, as the surrounding area is expected to experience significant traffic congestion due to the large number of devotees participating in the procession.

The public has been urged to steer clear of several key junctions to minimize traffic disruption. These junctions include the VV Statue, Shadan Nirankari, Old PS Saifabad, Ayodhya, Iqbal Minar, Telugu Thalli Junction, NTR Marg, and Necklace Rotary.

High Court's Order on PoP Idols Immersion

With the 10-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi festivities culminating in a grand idols' immersion procession on Thursday, the authorities in Hyderabad face a challenging situation. This follows a strict order from the Telangana High Court on Monday, directing them not to allow the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols in the iconic Hussainsagar Lake.

The court's decision has sparked protests, with some devotees expressing their discontent and demanding that the high court reconsider its directive. However, the Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi (BGUS), an organization coordinating with numerous Ganesh pandals, has stated that there are no restrictions on idol immersion, and idols can be immersed according to the guidelines set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Record Number of Idols Being Immersed

More than 1 lakh idols, a majority of them over 6 feet tall, are expected to be immersed in different lakes across Hyderabad on September 28. A significant portion of these idols is set to reach the iconic Hussainsagar Lake for immersion. This year, the Khairatabad Ganesh Utsav Samithi has installed a 63-foot-tall Ganesh idol made of clay, aligning with the shift towards eco-friendly celebrations.

GHMC's Efforts to Prevent Pollution

On September 28, over 50,000 idols are expected to be immersed in various water bodies across Hyderabad. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has taken proactive measures to ensure the responsible disposal of idols. GHMC has prepared special water tanks for immersing small and medium-sized idols, less than 6 feet tall.

According to GHMC, there are 22 portable prefabricated water tanks, 23 excavated water tanks, and 27 baby ponds, totaling 74 water bodies specially created for the immersion of idols in all 30 circles across 5 zones of Greater Hyderabad. These water bodies are created with a special focus on preventing smaller Plaster of Paris idols from polluting around 60 other natural water bodies, including Hussainsagar Lake.

As Hyderabad prepares for the grand Ganesh immersion day, the temporary closure of Prasads Multiplex is a measure to ensure public safety amid the anticipated heavy traffic and crowded streets. The city's authorities are working to implement the high court's order regarding idol immersion while striving to maintain the traditions and sentiments of devotees. Ganesh Chaturthi remains a significant and cherished celebration in Hyderabad, where the confluence of tradition and environmental consciousness is actively being addressed.