Chennai authorities are searching for ponds, lakes and temporary water bodies for Ganesh idol immersion after the National Green Tribunal’s southern bench directed a stay on immersion at Foreshore Estate in Pattinapakam and Neelankarai during Ganesh Chathurthi. Officials from the Greater Chennai Corporation, the district collectorate and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board met on Saturday to identify alternative locations, particularly in the city’s southern suburbs.
The NGT has also directed authorities to consider distributing the crowd from Pattinapakkam and Neelankarai among other designated locations, including Tiruvottiyur, Ennore and Kasimedu. A Greater Chennai Corporation official said departments were examining smaller ponds restored during the past year as possible sites where immersion could take place in an eco-friendly manner.
“The departments are looking for other locations, such as small ponds that were restored in the past year, where the immersion can happen in an eco-friendly way. The next hearing is on Sept 17, when we will get a clearer picture on the locations for immersion,” the GCC official said.
Officials said the use of ponds and lakes would require detailed arrangements to control safety and pollution risks. Water depth would have to remain shallow, and the immersion areas would need to be barricaded. A Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board official said the site would have to be desludged and accumulated waste removed within 24 hours after immersion.
The authorities are also examining the treatment of temporary water bodies. If a temporary section is created within a larger pond or lake, lime, alum or an equivalent coagulant would have to be added to prevent solids from settling in the water. After the liners used to create the temporary tank are removed, the remaining water would need to be checked for colour and turbidity.
The change in designated locations could affect organisers and residents in south Chennai, especially those handling idols exceeding 8ft. Organisers said the other sea immersion points were in north Chennai, potentially requiring longer travel for residents of Adyar and Mylapore. Some organisers may therefore seek access to nearby lakes or ponds, according to J Das of the Ganesh Puja Team in Madipakkam.
The authorities’ next decisions will depend on the NGT hearing scheduled for September 17, when the permitted immersion locations and operational arrangements are expected to become clearer.
