THE GOAN NETWORK
SANGUEM
The Ganesh immersion ceremony, which was held after one-and-a-half days, was carried out using barrels by villagers of Costi ward in Kalay village, instead of the traditional immersion in the local Nullah.
Villagers said they were compelled to make the arrangement amid their concerns over the alleged pollution of the water body due to wastewater from a piggery unit.
Panchayat member Suhas Naik said the villagers had taken the decision as the condition of the traditional immersion site had become a serious concern.
Local villager Adv Amar Naik said the use of barrels reflected the villagers' concern over the condition of the water body and their desire to protect the traditional site while ensuring that the religious ceremony could be conducted.
Villagers said they hoped that such a situation would not have to be repeated in the future. They expressed hope that better sense would prevail among the authorities and the business owner concerned, and that a solution would be found to address the issue of the alleged pollution of the nallah.
It may be recalled that villagers from Costi ward have been opposing the operation of a piggery unit, alleging that polluted water from the unit is being released into the nearby nallah, which is used by the community for religious purposes, including Ganesh idol immersion.
The issue has been ongoing for several months, with the villagers raising the matter more seriously over the past three to four months. The matter is presently sub-judice and pending hearing before the High Court, with the villagers awaiting relief from authorities.
