HC orders AP Govt to prevent Ganesh immersion in Hussainsagar

Hyderabad, Aug 3 (UNI) A division bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court comprising the Chief Justice Mr Justice G S Singhvi and Mr Justice G V Seethapathy today directed the State Government to take all possible steps to prevent immersion of Ganesh idols in the Hussainsagar lake.

The bench was of the view that once there is a law which prevents causing water pollution, it is the duty of the State Government to implement the law. If the Government finds any difficulty in implementing such laws and yields to public pressure, or sentiments, the only course open to them was to get the law amended or annulled.

But, as long as the law stands, there was no other way for the Government, but to implement.

The bench made the above observations while dealing with a public interest writ petition complaining about enormous water pollution being caused on account of immersion of Ganesh idols during the Ganesh Nava Ratri.

The state advocate general Mr C V Mohan Reddy, who appeared on behalf of the Government had pointed out that it was a practice going on for a fairly long period and successive Government could do nothing in this matter. The law regarding prevention of water pollution was also there for over a period of time.

It is a sensitive matter and the Government cannot be expected to prevent the immersion of Ganesh idols, without making any alternative arrangements for the said purpose.

He appealed to the bench to see reason in his plea and also the difficulties of the Government in meeting with the situation of this nature.

He also pleaded that it is not an ordinary issue of implementation of a rule or regulation, but it is a case of swimming against the water currents. People of the twin-cities were sensitive about the Ganesh festivals.

There had been occasions in which, any attempt to alter the existing practice was met with stiff opposition from the people.

The Government need to address this issue both from the stand point of view of preventing water pollution and assuaging the sentiments of the people, if the present practice was to be discontinued and given any alternative place, where the idols could be immersed.

The bench directed the State Government to file a counter affidavit in the matter through any highly responsible officer addressing to all the issues raised in the writ petition. The bench posted the matter to next Thursday for further hearing.

UNI XR/ASJ LS KN2135