Anantapur: Water Shortage Leaves Ganesha Idols in Dry Tanks, Riverbeds
The situation was reported in several parts of the region, including Putlur and Yellanur mandals, where large idols were left in dried-up water bodies.
Anantapur: Water scarcity has posed a major challenge to Ganesha idol immersion in parts of Rayalaseema, with devotees forced to leave large idols in dry irrigation tanks, channels and riverbeds after finding no water for immersion.
The situation was reported in several parts of the region, including Putlur and Yellanur mandals, where large idols were left in dried-up water bodies.
The sight of the idols lying in dry tanks and riverbeds has drawn attention to the acute water shortage in the drought-hit region.
Sources said devotees had taken the idols to the designated water bodies for immersion but could not proceed because of the lack of water.
The shortage has also affected drinking water availability, particularly for milch animals.
Images of large idols left in dry water bodies have circulated on social media, highlighting the difficulties faced by devotees during the immersion process.
Meanwhile, authorities made arrangements to facilitate immersion of idols from Anantapur city at water bodies in neighbouring mandals and other locations, depending on the size of the idols.
The immersion procession was taken out at Sapthagiri Circle in Anantapur on Friday, with superintendent of police P. Jagadish launching it.
Organised by the Ganesh Utsav Committee, the procession was held amid religious fervour.
The SP unfurled the Omkar flag and appealed to devotees to maintain peace and discipline. He later inspected the procession route and reviewed security arrangements.
Police were deployed at major roads, junctions and other sensitive points to regulate the movement of devotees and vehicles.
