Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Ganesh Idol Debris Raises Pollution Concerns in Manakondur Tank
Manakondur Peddacheruvu is a large tank where many Ganesh idols are immersed.
A lot of old idol debris was still lying in the water.
The debris included iron, bamboo and Plaster of Paris materials.
Some idols had not dissolved completely.
Officials started using a large machine to remove the waste.
They wanted to clear the tank before more idols were immersed on Wednesday.
Farmers worry that polluted water could harm their crops.
Fishermen worry that the pollution could hurt fish and their families’ incomes.
Large quantities of Ganesh idol debris were found in Manakondur Peddacheruvu, a major immersion site.
Municipal authorities began removing the debris Tuesday with a large poclain machine before Wednesday’s scheduled immersions.
The remains included iron, bamboo and other materials from Plaster of Paris idols, some of which had not dissolved.
The tank covers 400 acres and supplies water for crops cultivated on about 600 acres.
Farmers, fishermen and residents warned that idol remains could affect agriculture, fish and local livelihoods.
- Who
- Municipal authorities, farmers, fishermen and local residents are involved.
- What
- Debris from Ganesh idols, including Plaster of Paris remains, was found piled up in a tank and began being removed.
- When
- Authorities began clearing the debris on Tuesday, ahead of idol immersions scheduled for Wednesday.
- Where
- Manakondur Peddacheruvu near Karimnagar, one of three major immersion points for Karimnagar town and nearby villages.
- Why
- The debris was removed to prepare for new immersions and address concerns about pollution affecting crops, fish and livelihoods.
Municipal Cleanup
Local Environmental Concerns
Handling the idol remains
Municipal Cleanup
Municipal authorities began removing the debris with a large poclain machine before the next scheduled immersion process.
Local Environmental Concerns
Farmers, fishermen and residents said the prolonged presence of idol remains in the tank was causing concern about pollution.
Impact on water use
Municipal Cleanup
The cleanup was intended to facilitate the scheduled immersion of more idols at a major immersion point.
Local Environmental Concerns
Farmers feared water mixed with Plaster of Paris could affect standing crops, while fishermen feared harm to fishery resources and family livelihoods.
- Water body
- Manakondur Peddacheruvu
- Tank area
- 400 acres
- Agricultural area served
- About 600 acres of crops, particularly paddy
- Cleanup equipment
- A large poclain machine
- Debris materials
- Iron, bamboo and materials used in Plaster of Paris idols
- Immersion schedule
- Further idol immersions were scheduled for Wednesday
- Reported concern
- Residents cited possible effects on crops, fish and livelihoods, including instances of fish dying