Ganesh immersion in Hyderabad continues peacefully

The Ganesh idol immersion process in Hyderabad is progressing peacefully, with no untoward incidents reported so far, Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand, said on Saturday evening. The officer briefed the media on the progress of immersions and the measures put in place by the police at 8 p.m. on Saturday.

The Khairatabad Bada Ganesh immersion was completed in the afternoon., while the Balapur Ganesh immersion concluded at 6.11 p.m., he said. “By evening, aerial survey showed that several idols from the South Zone, including Chhatrinaka, Chandrayangutta and Rachakonda, as well as from the Cyberabad side, were still en route,” he added.

To quicken the pace, police are allowing idol processions to move in four lanes and have arranged pushing parties at key locations. At Hussainsagar, 40 cranes have been stationed for immersion. The process is being coordinated with GHMC and other departments, with mandap organisers cooperating with the police and following instructions.

Technology has played a bigger role this year, with idols being geo-tagged and information uploaded online, said the City Police Commissioner. “A new option in the TSCOP app enables inspectors to track idols within their jurisdiction. Based on details from mandap organisers, vehicles are permitted only after ensuring there are no DJs or music bands,” he explained.

In terms of surveillance, nine drones and 35 cameras on high-rises are being used, while 10% of CCTV connections were temporarily disconnected to prevent electrical accidents. Of these, about 3% have been reconnected for immersion duty.

The Commissioner said the immersion is being monitored through the Command and Control Centre at Banjara Hills, where officials from multiple departments are stationed. He added that special attention is being given to pending idols in the South and East Zones.

Expressing confidence that the immersion would be completed by 8 a.m. on Sunday, Mr. Anand said traffic restrictions would be relaxed accordingly. Director TGICCC V.B. Kamlasan Reddy, DCP TGICCC Pushpa, and officials from other departments were present during the review.