Don't install Ganesh idols over 15 feet: HC

HYDERABAD: While making it clear that it was not inclined to pass any order on reducing the height of Ganesh idols in the city, a division bench of the Hyderabad High Court on Monday suggested that the Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi and the state government take steps to ensure that the height of idols to be installed at pandals during Ganesh festival does not cross 15 feet height. The bench

comprising Acting Chief Justice Dilip B Bhosale and Justice P Naveen Rao was dealing with a petition by M Venu Madhav, advocate of the city, complaining that the earlier orders of the court are not being complied with regard to immersion of Ganesh idols in the city lakes. Reminding that the Maharashtra government has been arranging separate bins during Ganesh immersion to dispose off the materials used for pooja at the immersion points, Justice Bhosale suggested that the authorities arrange similar bins instead of dumping the pooja material in the lakes.

The bench wanted the organisers and devotees to start self-regulation in view of development of flyovers and metro rail project works in the city. Further, the bench wanted the Telangana government and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to ensure that only natural colours be used in making of Ganesh idols.

While asking the government to file a report by explaining the steps being taken for reduction of height of the idols and also cleaning of Hussain Sagar Lake immediately after the immersion, the bench adjourned the case to next Monday.