Hyderabad is gearing up for the grand immersion of the towering 70-foot Ganesh statue from Khairatabad, marking the culmination of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Chief Minister R. Revanth Reddy has spearheaded comprehensive preparations to ensure a seamless and secure immersion process, emphasizing the city’s commitment to managing this significant cultural event.
The immersion festivities, which began on Tuesday, involve the procession of thousands of Lord Ganesh idols into various water bodies across Telangana. This year, Hyderabad has seen approximately 100,000 idols being worshipped throughout the city. The highlight of the celebrations, the majestic 70-foot Ganesh statue from Khairatabad, is scheduled to be immersed in Hussain Sagar Lake by noon.
In addition to the religious ceremonies, the auction of the ‘Prasadam’ laddus from the pandals has garnered much attention. Notably, the laddu ‘Prasadam’ at Bandlaguda Jagir fetched an astounding Rs 1.87 crore, with successful bidders believing that acquiring the laddu brings good fortune.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy conducted a thorough review with senior officials to ensure that all aspects of the immersion are well managed. Special emphasis has been placed on overseeing the immersion at key locations like Tank Bund in Hussain Sagar Lake. To enhance safety and efficiency, over 733 CCTV cameras will monitor the event within Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits.
GHMC Commissioner Amrapali Kata announced that approximately 15,000 personnel from various departments, including sanitation and engineering, will be on duty around the clock, working in three shifts. In preparation for the immersion, 468 cranes have been deployed to facilitate the process.
For security, around 25,000 police personnel will be stationed throughout the city, and the Hyderabad traffic police have implemented specific restrictions to manage the large crowds and ensure the smooth conduct of the immersion process, which is expected to last for 24 hours.
Hyderabad’s meticulous preparations and robust security measures reflect the city’s dedication to honoring this significant festival while ensuring the safety and convenience of its residents.
