Hassan: Hassan Deputy Commissioner K S Lathakumari clarified that the ban on the immersion of Ganesha idols in the Devigere pond was not a sudden decision, but a measure to conserve water bodies, for environmental protec…

Hassan: Hassan Deputy Commissioner K S Lathakumari clarified that the ban on the immersion of Ganesha idols in the Devigere pond was not a sudden decision, but a measure to conserve water bodies, for environmental protection, and adherence to the law and public safety.Addressing media people, in Hassan, on Tuesday, Lathakumari said, “It is believed that there is a connection between seven sister deities (saptamatrukas) with Hasanamba temple and Devigere. It is believed that the goddesses Kaumari, Maheshwari and Vaishnavi reside in the sanctum sanctorum of Hasanamba temple and goddesses Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi are in the vicinity of Devigere. Hence, it is the responsibility of everyone to maintain the sanctity of Devigere”.It may be noted that Lathakumari issued a notice to Hassan Superintendent of Police Shubhanvitha on Monday, questioning why permission was granted for the immersion of Ganapathi and Gauri idols at Devigere on October 3, despite Prohibitory Orders in place. She questioned why no case was registered against the organisers and individuals concerned, and why appropriate legal action had not been taken. Devigere pondThe DC said, “Regarding the problems caused by the immersion of Ganesha idols in Devigere, Hassan City Corporation Commissioner wrote to the Tahsildar, requesting a ban on immersing idols. Man stabbed to death after clash during Ganesha idol immersion procession, six arrestedThe Tahsildar sought the district administration’s permission and informed the Assistant Commissioner. Later, measures were taken to install signboards prohibiting immersion at the pond”.As the Tahsildar submitted a report on October 3, regarding the continuation of immersion despite the regulations, the district administration took further action, the DC said. “There is a rule that idols with chemical paints and PoP idols should not be immersed in any lake, pond, river or other water bodies. The local bodies should find an alternative. It is inevitable to take legal steps when there is a violation. We are speaking only about law. There is no intention to hurt any religious sentiments,” Lathakumari said.The organisers of the Ganesha festival had not furnished any details to the district administration on the height, weight, and materials used for the idol. Hence, the district administration had to take steps, in view of public safety, she said.The incident of 11 deaths during Ganesha immersion procession at Mosalehosahalli, last year, was tragic, the DC said.Rules applicable to allLathakumari clarified that the allegation that restriction was imposed only to this particular Ganesha idol is not true. The Hassan City Corporation had installed tankers for immersion of idols in all the 35 wards, to prevent pollution of water bodies. Around 99 per cent of the immersion has been done without any issue. However, it has come to our notice that idols were immersed in a few lakes, she said.Meanwhile the SP has not reacted to the notice.

Source: Deccan Herald