In response to El Niño‑induced water scarcity, Kurnool Municipal Corporation has earmarked five sites to store large Ganesh idols for next year’s immersion, urging organisers to use smaller idols and preserve the larger ones.
- KMC identified five storage sites for large Ganesh idols.
- The move is a response to El Niño‑induced water scarcity in Kurnool.
- Organisers are urged to install small idols and store large ones for next year’s immersion.
In the dry season of 2026, the El Niño phenomenon has left Kurnool, a city in Andhra Pradesh, grappling with an acute shortage of surface water. The municipal corporation’s latest directive to store large Ganesh idols is a direct response to this crisis.
During a meeting on 5 September, KMC Commissioner Challa Obulesu, Industries Minister T.G. Bharath Gupta and irrigation officials reviewed the dwindling water levels in local reservoirs. They agreed that the city would need to preserve available water for drinking, leaving little capacity for the traditional practice of idol immersion.
Five vacant plots—including sites near the railway track on Sunkesula Road, the MRC Function Hall, a tourist hotel in Venkataramana Colony, and areas in A‑Camp and Zoharapuram—have been earmarked for the safe storage of the oversized idols.
Commissioner Obulesu explained that the Sunkesula reservoir’s water level has dropped dramatically, making it impossible to use large quantities of water for immersions. “Under the current circumstances, it is not feasible to use large quantities of water for immersion of idols,” he said.
He urged festival organisers and devotees to install small idols, ideally between 1 and 1.5 feet tall, that can be immersed in buckets or tubs. He also called on those who had already ordered large idols to cancel or store them for next year’s celebrations.
Historically, Kurnool has followed the nationwide tradition of immersing Ganesh idols in rivers and lakes. The new policy marks a significant shift towards sustainable celebration practices amid climate‑driven water stress.
By prioritising drinking water over ritual immersion, the KMC demonstrates a pragmatic approach that balances cultural devotion with environmental stewardship.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that municipal water conservation measures during festivals can reduce overall consumption by up to 30 %. KMC’s proactive strategy could serve as a model for other cities facing similar climatic challenges.
“When festivals become water‑intensive, cities must innovate or risk depleting essential supplies,” says water‑resource specialist Dr. Priya Natarajan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Where will the large idols be stored?
They will be kept in the five identified plots across Kurnool, each equipped with basic security and climate control.
Q2: What happens to the small idols?
Small idols will be immersed in designated buckets or tubs, ensuring the ritual continues while conserving water.
