SANGUEM
Villagers in the Costi ward of Kalay village in Sanguem taluka have taken an unprecedented decision to use barrels in order to avoid the traditional immersion of Ganesh idols in the local natural nullah, citing concerns over pollution.
Villagers allege that polluted water from a piggery in the area is being released into the nearby nullah, which has traditionally been used by the community for religious purposes, including the immersion of Ganesh idols.
For the first time in the history of the village, villagers reportedly arranged barrels for Ganesh idol immersion instead of using the natural water body. The move was seen as a way to continue the religious tradition while avoiding the allegedly contaminated nullah.
“The condition of the water body had become a serious concern for villagers due to alleged contamination from the piggery wastewater. The decision to use barrels enabled devotees to continue the immersion ritual without using the affected water body,” said panchayat member Suhas Naik.
Local villager Adv. Amar Naik described the villagers' decision as a strong response to the pollution issue and the condition of the traditional immersion site.
It may be recalled that villagers from the Costi ward of Kalay village in Sanguem taluka have been up in arms against the operation of the piggery unit at Costi. The villagers allege that polluted water from the unit is being released into the nearby nullah, which is used for religious purposes and Ganesh idol immersion.
The issue has been ongoing for several months, with the matter being raised more seriously by the villagers over the past three to four months.
Incidentally, while the villagers were expecting some relief from the authorities, there has been no relief so far, primarily because the matter is sub-judice and pending hearing before the High Court.
