Tension erupted at Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar on Monday after members of the Ganesh Utsav Samiti allegedly removed barricades installed to prevent Ganesh idol immersion at Tank Bund. Police personnel detained several participants as they attempted to bring the situation under control.
The Telangana government and Hyderabad police had placed restrictions near the lake following directions concerning the immersion of Ganesh idols, particularly those made of plaster of Paris. Authorities said the measures were introduced to protect the lake from pollution and ensure compliance with court orders.
According to reports, members of the Ganesh Utsav Samiti gathered near Hussain Sagar and objected to the restrictions on idol immersion. Some participants allegedly broke through the barricades installed by the authorities, creating tension in the area.
Police teams deployed at Tank Bund intervened and detained members of the organisation to prevent the situation from escalating. Additional security arrangements were made around the lake as officials worked to restore order and regulate the movement of devotees.
Hussain Sagar has traditionally served as one of Hyderabad’s most prominent locations for Ganesh immersion. The restrictions have therefore triggered opposition from groups that want the long-standing practice to continue at the lake.
The restrictions are linked to environmental concerns surrounding the immersion of plaster-of-Paris idols. Such idols may contain materials and chemicals that can affect water quality, particularly in a lake with limited natural circulation.
The Telangana High Court had earlier directed authorities to prevent prohibited idol immersions at Tank Bund. Following those directions, government departments erected barricades and deployed police personnel to enforce the restrictions.
The latest confrontation has once again highlighted the challenge of balancing religious traditions with environmental protection and judicial directions. Officials are expected to maintain heightened security near Hussain Sagar and guide devotees towards permitted immersion points to avoid further unrest.
