Ganesh Immersion in Bangalore: 41 Lakes and 462 Mobile Tanks Designated for Festival
Bangalore, September 6, 2024 — As the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations unfold in Bangalore, the Bangalore Bruhat Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has made extensive preparations for the immersion of Ganesh idols. This year, the BBMP has designated 41 lakes and temporary immersion tanks, along with deploying 462 mobile tanks across all wards, to ensure a clean and organized immersion process.
To facilitate the immersion of Ganesh idols, the BBMP has established both permanent and temporary immersion sites. Additionally, 462 mobile tanks will be stationed in various wards to manage the large volume of immersions expected during the festival. A total of 63 single-window centers have been set up to process permissions for idol installations.
The BBMP has also appointed nodal officers to oversee the immersion process and provide information. Details about the arrangements can be accessed on the BBMP’s official website.
In response to the state government's ban on plaster of Paris (POP) Ganesh idols, which is intended to protect the environment, the Bangalore Ganesh Utsav Committee has voiced strong objections. The committee argues that the ban on POP idols, along with restrictions on idol size and other aspects, infringes on religious practices and sentiment.
Committee President E. Ashwathnarayana criticized the government’s recent order from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) which mandates that only licensed individuals distribute prasadam (offering). He called for the immediate withdrawal of this order, emphasizing that every devotee has the right to worship their preferred idol.
“The imposition of bans on POP idols, their height, and other restrictions is unfair and hinders the celebration of traditional public Ganesh festivals,” Ashwathnarayana stated during a press conference. He urged the government to provide adequate facilities at immersion sites, grant five-year permits to public Ganesh festival committees, and allow the use of loudspeakers (DJ) without restrictions.
