Artificial well to immerse Ganesha idols in Hubli

Artificial well to immerse Ganesha idols in Hubli
The Hindu

HUBLI: "Please dig a new well or at least desilt the existing ones... "

This was the plea of the people to the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation since many years. But the well was not sought to augment drinking water supply but for the immersion of Ganesha idols.

Years of persistent appeals seem to have paid off with Hubli all set to get an artificial well for the immersion of the idols.

The artificial well, which is being dug at a cost of Rs. 5 lakhs, will be six-metres deep. There will be platforms on all the four sides of the well for the immersion of four big idols of Ganesh at a time.

But looking at the pace at which the work is progressing, it is doubtful if all the four platforms will be completed before the festival. Sources in the corporation said at least one platform will be ready before the festival while work on the other platforms will be completed after the festival is over.

Meanwhile, work is in full swing on the well. A concrete bed has been laid and construction of the sidewalls is in progress.

No option

Owing to the lack of wells, people had no option but to immerse the idols in wells full of waste material.

The corporation seems to have taken note of the situation after repeated appeals as it has also decided to desilt wells.

Although the issue came up at the general body meeting of the corporation many times, it was two years ago that the civic body approved the proposal to dig an artificial well on the premises of Mahatma Gandhi Garden, which also houses the Indira Glass House.

It was decided that the well will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 4.5 lakhs.

After two years after the proposal was approval, work has begun with P. Manivannan, Commissioner of the corporation, providing monetary assistance for the work.

Once completed, the well will be of a great help to people. If properly maintained, it might also add to the appeal of the Indira Glass House.