The New Indian Express ·
El Niño threatens idol immersion in Kadapa
KADAPA: The El Niño effect and prevailing drought-like conditions are posing a major challenge to Ganesh idol immersion in Kadapa district this year, with critically low water levels in rivers, irrigation projects, tanks and canals.
Kadapa district has 40 mandals, of which 27 have recorded rainfall below 50 per cent of normal, while the remaining 13 mandals are also facing a rainfall deficit of more than 50 per cent. Groundwater levels have also declined sharply, from 10.11 metres below ground level last year to 13.58 metres below ground level this year.
The situation has left devotees and Ganesh festival organisers worried about where large idols can be immersed. With most water bodies either dry or carrying limited water, the district administration and festival committees are looking for suitable locations where idols can be immersed safely.
Around 5,000 large Ganesh idols are reportedly installed across the district every year, apart from lakhs of smaller idols worshipped in homes. In normal years, tanks, ponds, irrigation projects and the Kurnool-Cuddapah (Kadapa) Canal (KC Canal) have adequate water for immersion.
Normally, the monsoon brings sufficient rainfall to the district, while inflows from upstream areas fill irrigation projects and other water bodies. During Ganesh Chavithi celebrations, devotees install large idols and perform pujas for three, five or nine days before immersing them in nearby water bodies amid festive celebrations.
Even when water levels remain low initially, rains in catchment areas often bring sufficient inflows by the time the immersion festivities begin. However, the severe rainfall deficit this year has left devotees and organisers concerned about immersion arrangements.
With the administration preparing for the coming summer and prioritising drinking water requirements, authorities are not releasing water for irrigation purposes. As a result, rivers including the Kundhu, Penna, Papaghni and Nagileru are largely without water, while several irrigation projects and water bodies have dried up.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rainfall over the next three days. If the rains arrive as predicted, they could provide some relief and facilitate immersion arrangements.
Otherwise, Ganesh festival organisers are likely to face considerable difficulties in conducting the immersion process smoothly.