Chennai Corporation to divert 700 Vinayaka idols for immersion from Pattinapakkam, Palavakkam to Ennore, Kovalam

The civic body said it will coordinate with the police department and other agencies for traffic management, prevention of overcrowding, safe immersion and disposal of debris and solid waste after immersion. File | Photo credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has decided to divert around 700 Vinayaka idols proposed for immersion in Pattinapakkam and Palavakkam to Ennore and Kovalam respectively, citing concerns about the environmental suitability of the immersion sites.

According to the GCC report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), 450 idols proposed for immersion in Palavakkam will be diverted to the Kovalam immersion site, while 250 idols proposed for Pattinapakkam will be diverted to Ennore. The decision followed discussions on the practical implications of excluding Pattinapakkam and Neelankarai, which the NGT had observed as falling under the CRZ-I area.

The GCC initially identified Pattinapakkam, Thiruvottiyur, Kasimedu and Palavakkam as immersion sites in Chennai. After concerns were raised before the tribunal that some of the identified sites could fall within the CRZ prohibited area, the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA) was asked to look into the issue and identify alternative sites.

The GCC said the diversion of idols from the southern and central parts of the city to the northern areas could pose practical difficulties in managing procession routes, vehicle movement, traffic, police deployment, public safety and emergency access. It also said that the complete exclusion of the two sites could lead to law and order problems.

The civic body will coordinate with the police department and other agencies for traffic control, prevention of overcrowding, safe immersion and removal of idol debris and solid waste after immersion.

The NGT, meanwhile, has ordered strict adherence to the CPCB guidelines and its earlier orders as well as those of the Supreme Court and the Madras High Court. It also observed that offshore diving sites require CRZ permission from TNSCZMA and mere attendance of TNSCZMA officials in meetings cannot be considered as such permission.

The NGT directed the state government to file an affidavit during the next annual Vinayaka Chaturthi on compliance with these guidelines. The affidavit was not filed Thursday, and the state requested time to file it Friday. The NGT has ordered strict adherence to its guidelines during this year’s immersion as well.

Published – 18 Sep 2026 15:56 IST