Protests Erupt in Hyderabad Over Ganesh Idol Immersion Ban at Tank Bund

Hyderabad, September 21 (Daily Kiran) : Demonstrators in Hyderabad gathered on Monday to protest against the ban on Ganesh idol immersions at the iconic Tank Bund. Members of the Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Committee expressed their discontent by removing barricades set up by authorities and demanding permission to immerse idols in Hussain Sagar Lake. Wearing saffron caps and scarves, the protesters chanted slogans and staged a sit-in on the busy Tank Bund road, which connects Hyderabad and Secunderabad.Their actions caused significant traffic disruptions as some protesters threw barricades and railings into the lake. A large police presence was deployed to manage the situation. Eventually, law enforcement detained several protesters and transported them to various police stations. The Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Committee has been opposing the immersion ban for several years, arguing that Tank Bund has historically served as a traditional immersion site.They believe that immersions should be allowed at this location. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and police have placed signs along Tank Bund stating that idol immersions are prohibited. Devotees have been directed to use designated immersion sites at People’s Plaza, Necklace Road, and NTR Marg, where cranes have been arranged. Authorities reiterated that only eco-friendly idols made of clay are permitted for immersion at these designated spots.For plaster of Paris (POP) idols, artificial "baby ponds" have been created in various parts of the city. Notably, in 2021, the Telangana High Court prohibited the direct immersion of POP idols in Hussain Sagar and other city lakes due to environmental concerns. The court also banned immersions at Tank Bund and instructed the establishment of artificial ponds. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has voiced its support for the Ganesh Utsav Committee's protests.State BJP President N. Ramchander Rao stated that immersions at Tank Bund have been a long-standing tradition, and he criticized the Congress government for imposing this year's restrictions. He called for necessary arrangements to ensure peaceful immersions. In Karimnagar district, BJP workers and members of certain Hindu organizations also protested, demanding the release of water for Ganesh idol immersion in the Chintakunta canal. Police detained protesters there as well.Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar condemned the arrests of BJP workers and Hindu organization members, stating that police action against those requesting water for idol immersion was inappropriate. He urged the state government to take necessary steps to facilitate peaceful immersions.