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No idol immersion at Tank Bund says police
Hyderabad Police Restrict Ganesh Visarjan Immersions at Tank Bund
With the upcoming Ganesh Visarjan in Hyderabad scheduled for Monday, September 16, the Hyderabad police have implemented strict guidelines concerning idol immersion. Citing a Telangana High Court order, the police announced that no Ganesh idol immersions will be allowed at Tank Bund. This decision, based on environmental and safety concerns, aims to ensure an orderly and eco-friendly conclusion to the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
High Court Orders on Ganesh Idol Immersion
The ban on immersions at Tank Bund stems from a directive issued by the Telangana High Court. In its ruling, the court specifically prohibited the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols in Hussain Sagar Lake. As a result, the police have made it clear that Ganesh idols should not be immersed at Tank Bund, a popular site in past years for the conclusion of the Ganesh Visarjan in Hyderabad.
Instead, alternative locations have been designated for idol immersion, with heavy cranes set up on Necklace Road, including NTR Marg and PV Marg, to facilitate the process. This setup aims to accommodate large crowds while adhering to the court’s orders to protect Hussain Sagar’s environment from the adverse effects of PoP idols.
GHMC’s Eco-Friendly Immersion Initiative: Portable Ponds
To further support eco-friendly practices during the Ganesh Visarjan in Hyderabad, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has made extensive preparations. The GHMC has established 73 portable immersion ponds across different parts of the city, ensuring a smooth and environmentally safe immersion process for the Ganesh idols.
The 73 portable ponds set up by GHMC include the following:
- 27 “baby ponds” inside lakes
- 24 portable prefabricated water tanks
- 22 excavated ponds
These ponds can accommodate Ganesh idols ranging from 2 to 6 feet in height, providing an accessible option for those looking to perform the immersion in compliance with the High Court’s guidelines. The initiative is part of the broader effort to promote eco-friendly immersion methods during Ganesh Visarjan in Hyderabad, helping reduce pollution and safeguarding the city’s water bodies.
Traffic Advisory for Ganesh Visarjan Processions
In addition to the restrictions on idol immersion at Tank Bund, the Hyderabad traffic police have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory to manage the large-scale processions and public gatherings expected during the Ganesh festival. Traffic diversions will be enforced from Tuesday, September 10, to Monday, September 16, particularly near Necklace Road (PVN Marg) and other key routes.
The diversions will be active from 3 p.m. until midnight each day, depending on the traffic situation. The Hyderabad police are urging citizens to avoid these areas and take alternate routes to prevent delays.
Here are some of the major traffic diversion points during the Ganesh Visarjan in Hyderabad:
- Sailing Club ‘T’ Junction: Traffic from Karbala Maidan will be diverted towards Kavadiguda Cross Roads, and vehicles will not be allowed towards Upper Tank Bund.
- VV Statue: Traffic from Panjagutta and Raj Bhavan heading towards NTR Marg or PVNR Marg will be diverted at Khairtabad Flyover, directing vehicles toward Lakdi-ka-Pool and Shadan College.
- Telugu Talli Junction: Traffic from Ambedkar Statue will not be permitted to proceed towards NTR Marg, with diversions leading vehicles toward Iqbal Minar.
- Telugu Talli Flyover: Traffic from Iqbal Minar towards Secunderabad will be rerouted onto the Telugu Talli Flyover, away from Tank Bund.
- DBR Mills: Vehicles from Katta Maisamma Temple and Dobhi Ghat will be redirected to DBR Mills, avoiding Children’s Park.
- Nallagutta Bridge: Traffic from Minister Road will not be allowed towards PVNR Marg (Necklace Road) and will instead be diverted at Nallagutta Bridge toward Karbala.
Public Instructions and Emergency Contact Information
The Hyderabad police have urged the public to use alternate routes during the Ganesh Visarjan in Hyderabad to minimize inconvenience and prevent traffic bottlenecks. Given the scale of the processions and diversions, citizens are advised to plan their travel in advance to avoid delays, especially in areas near Necklace Road.
For any emergencies or travel assistance, the traffic police have provided a helpline number (9010203626) that the public can contact throughout the festival period. The authorities have also assured that they will be closely monitoring traffic flow and making adjustments as needed to ensure a smooth Ganesh Visarjan celebration.
Conclusion: Eco-Friendly and Safe Ganesh Visarjan in Hyderabad
The Telangana High Court’s directive banning PoP idol immersion at Tank Bund, combined with GHMC’s initiative of setting up portable ponds, reflects the city’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly practices during the Ganesh Visarjan in Hyderabad. While the traffic diversions and restrictions may pose challenges, they are necessary to ensure the safety of both the public and the environment.
With the police and municipal authorities coordinating their efforts, Hyderabad is preparing for a smooth and responsible conclusion to the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. By following the immersion guidelines and traffic advisories, citizens can participate in the celebrations while respecting the city’s environmental and civic policies.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official announcements by the Hyderabad police and municipal authorities. Traffic diversions and idol immersion guidelines may be subject to change as per local conditions and updates from authorities.
