Immersion of Ganesha idol increases pollution level in Hyderabad’s Hussainsagar
Ganesha idols are lowered into the waters at the Tank Bund on the last day of immersion in Hyderabad. | Photo credit: File Photo
Water quality in Hussainsagar deteriorated during the Ganesh idol immersion season in September, with turbidity, suspended solids and chemical and biochemical oxygen demand at all six monitoring sites, according to the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TPCCB).
The committee took samples before, during and after the immersion period as part of a monitoring exercise prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board. Samples were collected on 11 September before immersion, on 17, 19, 21 and 23 September during the immersion period and finally on 28 September after immersion.
The highest turbidity of 200 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 164 mg/L were recorded at Necklace Road during the immersion period. Total Suspended Solids (TSS) peaked at 99 mg/L at Platform No. 1 opposite NTR Park.
Although these parameters decreased after the immersion period, they did not return to pre-immersion levels. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) also increased at all six sites during and after immersion.
The analysis further showed a significant increase in total coliform bacteria at all monitoring points during immersion. Although the levels subsequently dropped at some places, they remained elevated at the two platforms opposite NTR Park. Faecal coliform levels also increased at four sites during the immersion and remained above pre-immersion levels after the festival.
In Lumbini Park, faecal coliform levels increased further after immersion. However, the council found no significant changes in dissolved oxygen levels in the lake.
The six monitoring points included two locations opposite NTR Park, Lumbini Park, Necklace Road, an immersion point near Lepakshi Handicrafts and an area of Buddha statues that served as a checkpoint.
The board noted that rainfall on September 14, 19, 20 and 22 resulted in water runoff from watersheds entering the lake, contributing to changes in parameters such as COD, BOD and hardness.
Published – 30 Oct 2026 18:51 IST