HMDA Builds Gabion Walls for Safe Ganesh Immersions

Hyderabad: The HMDA has taken up construction of two new gabion walls on NTR Marg and is strengthening an existing gabion structure at Lumbini Park to improve safety and convenience during Ganesh idol immersion in Hussainsagar, .

The new structures, made of stone‑filled wire mesh, are designed to protect immersion platforms from damage, prevent soil erosion and improve bund stability. With the gabion structure at the Bada Ganesh immersion point proving successful, HMDA decided to construct more.

The works, estimated at ₹3.5 crore, are being carried out under the supervision of Mumbai‑based experts experienced in waterfront and riverbank protection projects. Specialised earth‑moving machinery and rock‑filling equipment have been deployed, with completion expected by the end of July.

Every year, after nine days of festivities, thousands of Ganesh idols, including the Khairatabad Bada Ganesh, are immersed in Hussainsagar. The weight of the idols and the heavy cranes used to lower them into the lake have caused damage to the platforms, which cave in, while continuous soil erosion has weakened the lake’s edge.

HMDA officials said the existing platform at NTR Marg gets damaged annually due to crane operations, which also affect traffic movement and pose safety concerns.

The new structures will enable cranes to operate safely, support immersion activities and enhance safety for thousands of devotees who throng Tank Bund. They will also be used during desilting operations at Hussainsagar. “With the gabion structures, the platform will be widened to six metres for convenience. Strengthening work on the existing gabion wall is also being carried out at Lumbini Park,” officials added.