Karimnagar protesters demand water release for Ganesh immersion

Protests erupted at the Chintakunta canal in Karimnagar, Telangana, as BJP workers and members of Hindu organizations demanded the state government release water for Ganesh idol immersion. Demonstrators staged protests against the Revanth Reddy administration, citing water shortages at the designated immersion site.

The situation escalated when police intervened to disperse the crowd, leading to reports of protesters being struck by personnel and subsequently detained. The demand for water release stems from concerns over low levels in the canal, which is a primary site for the immersion of approximately 700 to 800 idols.

Local leaders, including Karimnagar MLA Gangula Kamalakar and Union Minister of State Bandi Sanjay Kumar, have previously urged authorities to release water from the Sri Ram Sagar Project (SRSP) to ensure adequate levels for the ritual. Authorities have traditionally provided infrastructure such as cranes, barricades, and sanitation at these sites, but water availability remains a critical issue this year.