BERHAMPUR: All idols of Goddess Durga were immersed in three artificial ponds dug up by Berhampur Municipal Corporation for the purpose. The decision was taken recently with aim to prevent pollution of water bodies.
As many as 41 puja committees had put up pandals this year in the city. People, who had eagerly awaited the immersion day to have a glimpse of the idols in grand procession, were disappointed with the decision.
Until last year, the idols were brought to the old bus stand, from where the idols were taken in a procession for immersion after distribution of prizes for best idol. The idols were either immersed in different ponds in the city or taken to Gopalpur sea.
This year, the administration cancelled congregation and procession of idols and asked the puja committees to immerse their idols at the three temporary ponds dug at Aska Road, Gosaninuagaon and Andhapasara, as per the direction of Supreme Court not to immerse idols in natural water bodies. Cranes were also arranged to carry the idols and immerse those in the temporary ponds.