Kurnool Gears Up for Ganesh Idol Immersion Despite Record-Low Water Levels
Kurnool is preparing alternative immersion arrangements for Ganesh idols after water levels at Sunkesula Barrage dropped to a historic low.
Arrangements are being made on a grand scale for the Ganesh idol immersion in Kurnool, Industries and Commerce Minister T.G. Bharath Gupta said after inspecting preparations at Vinayaka Ghat along the K-C Canal and the Handri-Neeva tanks near the Nannur toll plaza on Sunday.
The Minister reviewed the availability of water, security cover and infrastructure with officials, directing them to complete all necessary arrangements. He noted that the water storage level at the Sunkesula Barrage currently stands at 0.288 tmcft — a historic low not recorded in the past two decades.
Because of this, releasing water directly from the Sunkesula Barrage into the K-C Canal for the immersion is not feasible this year, Mr. Bharath said, adding that the administration has turned to alternative arrangements.
Walls are being built on both sides of the K-C Canal at Vinayaka Ghat to create a tank-like structure for storing water. The Minister said steps were being taken to divert roughly two million litres of water — currently going to waste from the pump house to the K-C Canal — and store it in a specially constructed tank at Vinayaka Ghat.
The Kurnool Municipal Corporation is also arranging heavy vehicles and other required facilities. Noting that water flow in the Handri-Neeva project has been satisfactory so far, Mr. Bharath said a continuous flow is likely to be maintained during the immersion as well.
He suggested that members of the Vinayaka immersion committee inspect the K-C Canal and the Handri-Neeva area near the Nannur toll gate. The final plan for the immersion will be drawn up based on the committee members' inspection and their decision, he said.