Ulsoor Lake Work May Shift Ganesh Idol Immersions to Alternate Lakes

Ganesh idol immersions at Ulsoor Lake in Bengaluru may be diverted to alternate locations this year as development work at the lake's kalyani, or immersion pond, remains only 30 per cent complete ahead of the festival on September 14.

Civic officials are racing to complete the project by the end of the month. Last year, approximately 50,000 idols were immersed at the site, which traditionally accommodates large idols between 6 and 10 feet tall. If restrictions are enforced or work remains incomplete, authorities may direct immersions to mobile tanks or alternate sites, including Kaggadaspura Lake in CV Raman Nagar, Sankey Tank in the west, or Yediyur Lake in the south.

Engineers working on the project stated that concrete work must be finished and water filled into the immersion tank to allow immersions. The kalyani has been given top priority under the overall lake redevelopment effort, which also encompasses a double walkway, an open gym, a children's play area, and a library. Designed with steps to avoid inconvenience to devotees, the kalyani is also planned to host immersions for Durga Puja and Chhath Puja.

The ongoing work has sparked concern among regular walkers and residents of surrounding areas such as Bharathinagar. Residents pointed out that hundreds of associations that organize Ganesha pandals will be inconvenienced if the immersion site is not fully ready within the coming month.

The 108-acre lake features six islands and is undergoing a major overhaul funded at a total cost of Rs 100 crore. The civic body contributed Rs 50 crore, the minor irrigation department provided Rs 30 crore, and the state government added Rs 20 crore. Officials noted that scanty rainfall so far has allowed construction to gain momentum. Once full development is achieved, water will be diverted, the lakebed desilted, and recycled water from an onsite sewage treatment plant will be pumped in to fill the lake.