Hyderabad: Rain casts shadow over Ganesh immersion

Hanumakonda: Continuous rain accompanied by thunder and lightning has cast a shadow over Ganesh immersion celebrations in the tri-city area of Warangal, Hanumakonda and Kazipet. With the Meteorological Department warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Telangana for the next two days, organisers are worried about conducting processions safely.

Heavy showers from noon to night led to waterlogging on major roads and internal streets, disrupting traffic in several low-lying areas. Rainwater has also accumulated along some routes identified for immersion processions.

The organisers of the Ganapati mandapams, who have already completed the arrangements, are worried about when the rain will stop. If this situation continues, how to move the idols; how to organise the processions are being discussed.

Thunderstorms, lightning and thundershowers lashed Warangal, Hanumakonda and Kazipet areas from noon to night. This caused waterlogging on main roads as well as internal streets. Traffic was disrupted due to stagnant rainwater in low-lying areas. Organisers are worried as water has also entered the routes where immersion processions were to take place.

Officials have advised to be alert as there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rain in the State for another two days due to low pressure. Special attention should be paid to districts on red alert and the situation at low-lying areas, streams and ponds should be constantly monitored. Arrangements should be made to move people to safer places where necessary, and 24-hour control rooms and toll-free numbers should be made available. Officials are appealing to people not to come out unless it is an emergency.

Arrangements for immersion have already been completed at several Ganapati mandaps. Along with preparing vehicles to transport the idols, arrangements have been made for the devotees participating in the processions. However, due to heavy rain, it has become difficult for devotees to reach the mandaps. The organisers are worried that the idols will be taken out only after the rain subsides.

There are chances of difficulties due to standing rainwater on the immersion routes, missing potholes on the roads, power lines, and trees. Moving the heavy idols on vehicles in the rain will also become a challenge. Organisers are concerned that if the intensity of the rain increases, the safety of the devotees participating in the procession may be threatened.

There is a situation where it is not known when the rain will stop and what the weather will be like during the immersion. Although arrangements have been made with the intention of completing the celebrations by the pre-determined time, the weather conditions are troubling them. The organisers are worried how to organise the processions and immersion if the rain does not stop.

With many areas in the tri-cities already flooded, it seems that the immersion ceremonies are not going to be without problems. While the traffic is likely to slow down due to water stagnation on the roads, it will become more difficult to move the huge idols. Depending on the time when the rain subside, changes have to be made in the immersion.

The organisers of the mandapas, who hope to conduct the immersion peacefully, are looking to the sky. If the rain lets up, they are expected to continue the arrangements as usual, otherwise they are expected to take a decision according to the circumstances.

Will the rain subsides; will the immersion go smoothly? has now become a topic of discussion in the tri-cities.

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The Hans India