Hyderabad, Sept. 10 (Maxim News): HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath said there is no general ban on Ganesh immersion in Hyderabad lakes.
He rejected social media claims that HYDRAA has stopped immersions in lakes it is restoring. Ranganath urged people not to believe such reports.
He said restrictions apply only to four or five lakes notified by the Central government. Ganesh immersion will continue in other lakes across the city, he clarified.
Ranganath said HYDRAA does not oppose Ganesh immersion in lakes. He also said the agency wants celebrations to continue without damaging major water bodies.
The commissioner made the clarification while speaking to the media about arrangements for the upcoming Ganesh immersion.
HYDRAA Plans Baby Ponds for Ganesh Immersion
Ranganath said the Centre has recognised Ameenpur Lake as a biodiversity site. He also said the Centre has recognised Kapra Lake as a natural wetland.
Kapra Lake currently has no water, according to Ranganath. Therefore, he appealed to people not to create problems at the lake.
He said devotees can continue Ganesh immersion in the city’s other lakes. At the same time, HYDRA plans additional arrangements to protect the main water bodies.
The agency is developing baby ponds near selected lakes for immersion activities. Ranganath said these arrangements will help festival committees conduct immersions without harming major lakes.
He stressed that HYDRAA has imposed no restrictions at lakes undergoing restoration. The agency instead aims to balance public celebrations with environmental protection.
The commissioner also appealed to organisers and devotees to cooperate with officials. He urged everyone to conduct the festivities peacefully and in an environmentally friendly manner.
The clarification comes amid social media messages about alleged restrictions on Ganesh immersion. Ranganath said those messages created an incorrect impression about HYDRAA’s policy.
HYDRAA has been involved in restoring and protecting water bodies across Hyderabad. The agency has also focused on preventing activities that could damage lakes and their surrounding areas.
However, Ranganath made clear that lake restoration does not mean a blanket restriction on Ganesh immersion. He said the city will allow immersions at the other lakes as per the arrangements.
The commissioner urged festival committees to follow the designated arrangements. He also asked residents to avoid spreading unverified information about immersion rules.
Officials will therefore use designated facilities while seeking to protect Hyderabad’s major water bodies. The arrangements aim to allow religious celebrations while reducing pressure on sensitive lakes. (Maxim News)
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