Ganesh immersion restrictions trigger protests in Hyderabad

NewsBharati    22-Sep-2026 17:25:39 PM
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Hyderabad, Sep 22 : Representatives of the Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi protested at Tank Bund in Hyderabad on Monday(21 Sept) against restrictions on Ganesh idol immersion in Hussain Sagar Lake.
 
Ganesh immersion
The protesters removed barricades placed by authorities to prevent immersion from Tank Bund. Wearing saffron caps and scarves, they raised slogans and sat on the road, affecting traffic on the busy route connecting Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Police later detained the protesters and shifted them to police stations.
 
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and police have asked devotees to use designated immersion points at People’s Plaza, Necklace Road and NTR Marg, where cranes have been installed. Only clay and other eco-friendly idols will be allowed at these locations, while Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols have to be immersed in artificial ponds.
 
 
The restrictions follow a 2021 Telangana High Court order prohibiting direct immersion of PoP idols in Hussain Sagar and other lakes on environmental grounds. The court also restricted immersion from Tank Bund, a 2.2-km stretch connecting Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
 
The Ganesh Utsav Samithi has opposed the restrictions, maintaining that Tank Bund is a traditional immersion point. In previous years, authorities had allowed immersion there on the final day by arranging cranes following protests.
 
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This year's Ganesh festivities began on Sep 14 and will conclude with the main immersion procession on Sep 25.
Meanwhile, the BJP extended support to the Samithi's demand. Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao said immersion had taken place at Tank Bund for decades and urged authorities to make arrangements for a smooth process.
 
A separate protest was held in Karimnagar, where BJP workers and Hindu organisations demanded water in the Chintakunta canal for idol immersion. Police detained some protesters. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar condemned the arrests and criticised the state government's handling of the demand.

Ganesh Utsav Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Plaster of Paris (PoP)