KMC plans to store large Ganesh idols to conserve water amid El Niño conditions

KMC Commissioner Challa Obulesu inspecting vacant sites for storing large size Ganesh idols in Kurnool on Sunday. | Photo Credit: U. SUBRAMANYAM The Kurnool Municipal Corporation (KMC) has identified five locations for storing large Ganesh idols after the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, until they are taken for immersion during next year’s celebrations. This decision is due to the non-availability of water in water bodies to immerse the large idols, which is a result of scanty rainfall caused by El Niño conditions.At a meeting held on Saturday (September 5, 2026), Minister of Industries and Commerce T.G. Bharath Gupta, KMC Commissioner Challa Obulesu and irrigation officials reviewed the situation and decided that space should be provided for the organisers to secure large sized idols that were already ordered and brought to the city for installation and immerse them during the next year festivities.KMC Commissioner on Sunday (September 6) inspected several vacant grounds, including sites near the railway track on Sunkesula Road, MRC Function Hall, Tourist Hotel in Venkataramana Colony, and at the A-Camp and Zoharapuram areas, to facilitate the safe storage of large idols.Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner stated that water levels in the Sunkesula reservoir have dropped drastically, necessitating the storing of the available water solely for the city’s drinking needs. “Under the current circumstances, it is not feasible to use large quantities of water for immersion of idols,” he said.He advised Ganesh Utsav committee organisers and devotees to install small Ganesha idols, ideally between 1 and 1.5 feet in height. He also urged them to choose idols suitable for immersion in buckets or tubs.“We appeal to the organisers not to place new orders for large idols and for those who have already placed orders to cancel them,” he said.The Commissioner requested cooperation from those who have already received large idols, asking them to safely store the idols instead of immersing them, so they can be used during next year’s celebrations. “Five grounds in the city have been identified for this purpose and appropriate arrangements will be made to store the large idols safely,” he said.The Commissioner stated that top priority is being given to the conservation of drinking water and urged everyone to understand the current water situation and to celebrate the festival in a manner that conserves water while still upholding their devotion. Published - September 06, 2026 07:22 pm IST