The Telangana High Court today expressed displeasure at the officials concerned for not submitting detailed reports on the immersion of Ganesh idols in the Hussain Sagar despite
repeated orders asking for the submission of the same.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Hima Kohli and justice B Vijaysen Reddy brought up the matter while hearing a petition moved by advocate Mamidi Venumadhav, who sought to stop the contamination of the lake and other water bodies in Hyderabad caused by the immersion of Ganesh idols containing chemicals and lead-based paint.
During the hearing, the bench expressed its displeasure at the officials for delaying the submission of a report on the steps being taken to prevent idol immersion in the Hussain Sagar and elsewhere. It then directed the GHMC and the Hyderabad police to submit the report at the earliest, and to file affidavits detailing the steps being taken to ensure a "safe" Ganesh Chaturthi before the next hearing.
At this, the state government's counsel informed the court that the government would "appeal" to the people to stay indoors and perform pujas using earthen Ganesh idols inside their houses during the festivities to be held next month, and added that strict measures would be taken to prevent people from organising mass public gatherings during the festival to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The next hearing will take place on September 1.
This year, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations will commence on September 10 and will conclude with the ceremonial idol immersion on September 19.