No Water, No Way: Ganesh Immersion Challenges in Anantapur

Ganesh immersion ceremonies in several parts of Anantapur district were carried out in dry or nearly dry water bodies this year, highlighting the severity of the water shortage amid poor rainfall.

With ponds, tanks and streams running dry, devotees in some areas struggled to find adequate water for immersing Ganesh idols. The situation was particularly visible in Yellanur mandal of the Singanamala Assembly constituency, where the Chitravathi riverbed had no water. With no alternative available, devotees were forced to leave the idols in the dry riverbed as part of the immersion ritual.

A similar situation was reported in Putlur, where dried-up tanks left devotees with only a small quantity of water for conducting the immersion ceremony. The shortage of water has added to the difficulties faced by residents even during the festive season.

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) criticised the government over the lack of water for Ganesh immersion, saying the situation reflected the wider shortage affecting drinking water and irrigation needs in the region.

In Venkatapur village of Bukkarayasamudram mandal in the Singanamala constituency, devotees from Venkatapur and Dayyalakuntapalli reportedly took Ganesh idols to a nearby canal for immersion. However, the canal was completely dry, leaving no water for the ceremony.

The devotees were subsequently forced to conduct the associated prayers at the dry canal, according to local YSRCP leaders. They alleged that residents and party representatives had repeatedly urged the authorities to ensure water availability and release water before the immersion festivities, but that their requests were not addressed.

The YSRCP also claimed that similar conditions prevailed in several parts of Anantapur and Kurnool districts, where water sources have dried up amid deficient rainfall.

The party alleged that advance arrangements could have prevented the difficulties faced by devotees and urged the government to address both drinking water and irrigation requirements in the drought-hit areas.