El Nino hits Ganapati visarjan: Idols left on dried-up riverbed in Andhra

Devotees in Andhra Pradesh's Puttlur left Ganesh idols on the dry Chitravati riverbed after finding no water for visarjan. The scene has drawn attention to the area's worsening water shortage and its effect on daily life and local traditions.With the riverbed devoid of water, devotees celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi reportedly had no option but to place the idols on the dry riverbed. (Photo: X)A striking image from Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district has highlighted the worsening water crisis in parts of southern India, with devotees forced to leave Ganesh idols on the dry bed of the Chitravati River after finding no water for the traditional immersion ritual.The incident was reported from Puttlur in Anantapur district, where the Chitravati River has dried up, leaving behind stretches of sand where water would normally flow.With the riverbed devoid of water, devotees celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi reportedly had no option but to place the idols on the dry riverbed instead of carrying out the customary visarjan.When El-Nino haunts Ganesh Nimajjanam!With Chitravati river, drying updevotees 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, 2026The images offer a stark contrast to the traditional conclusion of the festival, when devotees immerse Lord Ganesha idols in rivers, lakes and other water bodies as part of the farewell ritual. The situation has also raised concerns about the impact of prolonged water shortages on communities and cultural practices that depend on local water bodies.Andhra Pradesh has experienced significant rainfall variability, with several areas facing water stress after periods of inadequate rainfall. Reduced rainfall can lower the levels of rivers, reservoirs and tanks while also limiting groundwater recharge. The situation can become more severe in regions heavily dependent on groundwater.According to the latest information, nearly 60% of borewells in the affected area have reportedly dried up, increasing pressure on remaining water sources for agriculture and household requirements. A child immerses an idol of Lord Ganesh amid the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, in Hyderabad, Telangana, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (PTI Photo) Climate variability, including the influence of El Nino, can contribute to changes in rainfall patterns across India. However, attributing a specific local drought entirely to climate change or El Nino requires detailed meteorological and hydrological analysis.The drying of the Chitravati also underscores the importance of local water management. Reduced rainfall, declining surface-water availability, groundwater extraction and inadequate storage can combine to intensify water shortages.For residents of Puttlur, the consequences are now visible not only in agriculture and access to water but also in everyday traditions.A festival ritual that traditionally ends with an idol being immersed in flowing water instead ended this year with idols being left on a bed of dry sand, providing a stark visual reminder of the region's water crisis.- EndsPublished By: Sibu Kumar TripathiPublished On: Sep 21, 2026 13:51 IST