District admn, LMC finalise new idol immersion spot to ease traffic woes
To provide citizens relief from traffic jams due to idol immersion during Ganesha and Durga Puja festivals, a new place near Shaheed Path, on the bank of Gomti, has been finalised for these ceremonies.
The district administration and officials of Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) have been holding talks with over 200 puja committees in the city for the purpose.
According to insiders, many puja committees have given their consent for the new immersion place.
District magistrate SK Singh told HT, “The administration will help all the puja committees in understanding the bigger picture. The main city has been witnessing traffic jams everyday because of the ongoing metro work. That’s why we need their (the puja committees) cooperation. We will not force anyone but it’s for them to think over.”
The authorities are also stressing on eco-friendly immersion of idols using pits dug up near river Gomti.
Municipal commissioner Udairaj Singh said, “Last year we dug up pits near Kudia Ghat and Mankameshwar ghat for eco-friendly immersion. This time too we want all puja samitis to come forward and opt for this environment-friendly method.”
Riddhi Kishore Gaur, who has been working for years to promote eco-friendly immersion of idols said, “This year, a few puja samitis have again agreed to cooperate but due to old traditions, many samitis still prefer immersing idols in the river. That is why we want a relentless campaign to promote eco-friendly immersion of idols, which is a much better and safer practice and is also according to traditions.”
Suggesting rewards for those who opt for eco-friendly immersions, mayor Dinesh Sharma said, “I have always promoted a positive outlook but overnight change is not possible. The change in mindset will come with increased
The administration will help all the puja committees in understanding the bigger picture. The main city has been witnessing traffic jams everyday because of the ongoing metro work. SK SINGH, district magistrate
awareness about environment and religion. Authorities must praise the efforts of the people who have dug up pits for eco-friendly immersions. Such people must be rewarded. Those samitis that go for ecofriendly idol immersion must also be rewarded so that others are inspired to follow them.”