Broken Ganesh idol remains found at Vasai Fort jetty after immersion, anger flares

Broken remains of Ganesh idols were found lying on the shore near Vasai Fort jetty after immersion. Some idols were also seen half-immersed, stuck in the mud. This has hurt the sentiments of devotees and raised questions over the immersion arrangements.

Like every year, a large number of Ganesh idols were immersed at various immersion ghats in the Vasai area this time as well. Idols made of Plaster of Paris are in the majority among these. Due to the tide, waves and mud in the sea, some idols run the risk of washing back to the shore or shallow water.

Vasai Senior Police Inspector Saurabhi Pawar said that municipal corporation officers were informed about this, and the immersion of the Ganesh idols was carried out late at night, well out into the sea. Police personnel were deployed until this entire process was completed.

According to Assistant Commissioner Sangeeta Ghadigaonkar, the idols had washed back due to the tide. As soon as this was known, the idols were taken into custody and immersed again. She also said that greater care would be taken during the next immersion.

Local residents say that after immersion during Ganeshotsav, the concerned authorities should inspect the jetty and shore area and immediately remove the remains of any idols that wash back. Datta Jadhav of the Shiv Sena UBT faction has demanded that immersion arrangements be made stricter so that idols of Ganpati that were bid farewell to with devotion and due ritual are not disrespected in this manner. After this matter came to light, the concerned authorities took the idol remains into custody and immersed them in the sea again. The administration also made clear that greater vigilance would be exercised during the next immersion.

Local residents and environmentalists have demanded that a separate and effective system be set up so that nirmalya, idol remains and other puja material do not remain lying on the seashore or in the mud after immersion. They said idols made of Plaster of Paris in particular take a long time to dissolve, so their remains lying on the seashore could also affect the environment.