Hyderabad chants Ganapati Bappa Morya as immersions pace up

Hyderabad: Farewell to Lord Ganesha is being celebrated on a grand scale in Hyderabad on Friday, with roads to all water bodies, particularly the Hussain Sagar, seeing winding processions and devotees chanting 'Ganpati Bappa Moriya'.

Many people including Ganesh pandal organisers and families dressed in traditional attire are thronging the places where idols are immersed, including at NTR Marg to perform the immersion ritual.

On the NTR Marg, hundreds have already gathered to see the immersion of the famous Khairatabad Ganesh. The procession of the Khairatabad Ganesh has started and is heading towards the NTR Marg.

Elaborate arrangements have been made by the State government for the smooth conduct of the festival. Security arrangements were in place, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation sanitation staff was sweeping the procession route, and at NTR Marg mobile toilets were also installed.

Owners of commercial establishments at Basheerbagh and other places have set up stages in front of their shops and served snacks, buttermilk and water to the processions heading to NTR Marg and Tank Bund for immersion of several thousands of Ganesh idols.

After a war of words between the state BJP and TRS leaders over arrangements for the immersion of Ganesh idols in Hussain Sagar for the past few days, the stage is now set for the grand finale on Friday. However, what is causing worry is the IMD prediction of heavy rains in the next three days. The devotees and the Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samiti are keeping their fingers crossed.

Meanwhile, the administration has made elaborate arrangements in coordination with the GHMC, police and other civic departments for the smooth immersion of the idols in Hussain Sagar. The Shobha Yatra of Khairtabad's 50-ft Ganesh idol will start at 9 am and will reach NTR Marg around 1 pm and the process of immersion would be over by 2 pm.

The GHMC, HMWS&SB, HMDA, Tourism Department, TSSPDCL and the Fire Departments have made necessary arrangements and have deployed personnel and machinery to ensure that the procession continues without any hiccups.

Following the rain forecast, the Municipal Corporation kept a tight vigil and has taken appropriate measures to ensure that the devotees do not face any inconvenience during the Shobha Yatra. City Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi directed the officials and monsoon emergency teams to be vigilant. She directed the teams to clear all water stagnation points across the city. All the GHMC Zonal Commissioners were directed to take steps to ensure that the devotees should not face any difficulties during the Shobha Yatra.

On account of Ganesh idols immersion procession on Friday, the Telangana Government has declared general holiday to all the Government Offices, Schools and Colleges located in and around the twin cities, Ranga Reddy and Medchal-Malkajgiridistricts. Consequently, November 12 (second Saturday) will be observed as a working day in lieu of general holiday declared on September 9.

Commissioner of Police Stephen Ravendra announced that all the toddy/wine shops and bars, including those attached to restaurants and bars in star hotels and registered clubs shall remain closed within the limits of Cyberabad Police Commissionerate from 6 am on September 9 to 6 am on September 11, on account of the immersion of Ganesh idols. He authorised all the SHOs of Cyberabad Police Commissionerate to take appropriate legal action against those who violated the notification.