AP HC nod for immersion of Ganesh idols in Hussain Sagar

Hyderabad, Aug 11 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh High Court today permitted immersion of the Ganesh idols in the picturesque 'Hussain Sagar' Lake in the heart of the city for the current year.

The High Court which took suo-motu cognizance of the pollution and silting being caused to the lake due to the immersion, had earlier banned the immersion from this year.

The High Court in its order today said the permission was only for the current year and a new venue should be searched for the coming year.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G N Singhvi and Mr Justice Sitapati had directed the state government to implement the recommendations of the Empowered Committee appointed by the Supreme Court in this regard.

After the state government had assured the High Court plaster of paris and other remnants would be removed from the lake within three days of the immersion, the High Court while allowing the immersion ceremony directed the government to make alternative arrangements for the next year.

The ban on immersion had become an emotional issue with the former BJP legislator and Ganesh Utsav Committee Member Baddam Bal Reddy declaring that immersion would be held only in the Hussain Sagar lake, as had been the tradition, despite the ban.

The state government appealed to the High Court to reconsider its earlier direction in view of the sentiments of the people.

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