India
oi-Swastika Sruti
While Delhi lacks artificial ponds for Ganesh idol immersion, parts of Andhra Pradesh are witnessing an unusual situation, with devotees leaving Vinayaka idols on dry riverbeds as water levels remain critically low.
Drought conditions in Andhra Pradesh have impacted Ganesh idol immersions, with devotees leaving idols on dry riverbeds like the Chitravati River and highlighting the need for artificial ponds as natural water bodies are insufficient.
In parts of Anantapur district, dry riverbeds and low water levels have reportedly left devotees with few options for Ganesh Visarjan. Poor rainfall and drought-like conditions, reportedly linked to the El Niño effect, have left several rivers and water bodies without enough water for the traditional immersion ritual.
Chitravati River Runs Dry During Ganesh Visarjan
One of the most key water sources in the region- The Chitravati river has dried out and hence the devotees were seen leaving Lord Ganesha Idols on dry land. Similar scenes have also been reported near the HLC canal in Bukkarayasamudram.
The situation has raised concerns because immersion traditionally forms an important part of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. With several natural water bodies lacking sufficient water, devotees have been forced to look for alternatives.
When El-Nino haunts Ganesh Nimajjanam!
With Chitravati river, drying up…devotees are seen abandoning Vinayaka idols right in the riverbed and leaving in Puttluru, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh.
A stark reminder that Nature is the biggest ‘God’! pic.twitter.com/VXPIaWAGdK
— Revathi (@revathitweets) September 19, 2026
Water Shortage Creates A Different Kind Of Visarjan
The problem does not pertain to just the Chitravati river alone. There are several regions of Andhra Pradesh where water sources are depleting, thus making it hard to plan religious events that require water.
In certain cases, the local people have apparently arranged for water by means of tankers and filling up ponds in order to help with idol immersion.
The issue has also shed light on the need for the authorities to find alternative sites of immersion when rivers, canals, and ponds lack water.
YSRCP Questions Government’s Arrangements
The issue has become a political talking point in Andhra Pradesh.
Former minister and YSR Congress Party leader Vellampalli Srinivas criticised the TDP-led state government over the arrangements for Ganesh idol immersion. He claimed that authorities were aware of water shortages but failed to create adequate alternatives for devotees.
Srinivas questioned why temporary ponds could not have been prepared or water arranged at designated immersion locations in drought-affected areas.
He also alleged that organisers faced difficulties in obtaining permissions for Ganesh pandals, prayers and annadanam in some parts of the state.
These allegations are part of the YSRCP’s criticism of the state government and have not been independently verified.
Could Artificial Ponds Have Helped?
The situation has renewed the discussion around artificial immersion ponds, particularly in areas where natural water bodies are either dry or environmentally vulnerable.
Temporary ponds can provide devotees with a designated location for immersion while also preventing people from using dried-up riverbeds or putting additional pressure on already stressed water sources.
Environmental guidelines for idol immersion have also encouraged the use of designated facilities and raised concerns about materials such as Plaster of Paris and chemical colours entering natural water bodies.
