Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi Calls for Lifting of Tank Bund Immersion Restrictions

On Sunday, Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi issued an ultimatum to the Telangana government to lift the restrictions on immersing Ganesh idols at Tank Bund.

In a defiant move, Samithi leaders removed a barricade set up by authorities to immerse an idol. They also took down flex banners that declared a ban on idol immersion at Tank Bund, citing High Court orders.

The Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi, asserting that there are no court orders banning idol immersions in the lake, defied the restrictions by removing a barricade and immersing an idol brought by devotees.

The police, who did not intervene during the incident, later reinstalled the barricade at the same location. The Samithi has demanded that the government make all necessary arrangements for idol immersion at Tank Bund by Sunday evening. Samithi General Secretary Rajya Vardhan Reddy urged the government to facilitate a smooth and peaceful immersion process without imposing restrictions. He warned of direct action if the government fails to remove the barricades. Reddy expressed frustration, noting that the Samithi has been organising immersions at Tank Bund for the past 45 years with government support, and questioned why restrictions were imposed this year.

The Samithi’s leader warned that devotees would not accept these restrictions and vowed to continue immersions at Tank Bund. Although authorities have arranged for immersions at Hussain Sagar from NTR Marg and Necklace Road, restrictions have been placed on Tank Bund. The police and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have put up banners declaring that immersions are not allowed at Tank Bund as per Telangana High Court orders and have erected barricades to prevent immersion. However, the Samithi claims that the High Court did not ban immersions in Hussain Sagar, and thus, there should be no restrictions at Tank Bund.

During a review meeting led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, attended by the Director General of Police, police commissioners, and departmental heads, no mention was made of a ban on immersions at Tank Bund. Ganesh festivities began on September 7 and will culminate with a major immersion procession on September 17. Thousands of idols from Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and surrounding areas will be immersed in Hussain Sagar Lake, drawing lakhs of people to the annual event.

Tank Bund, a 2.2 km road connecting Hyderabad and Secunderabad, is a popular tourist spot along the scenic lake.