Chennai, Sept 19:
The Tamil Nadu government has informed the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal that Vinayaka Chaturthi idols will not be immersed at Pattinapakkam and Neelankarai beaches in Chennai from next year.
In an affidavit filed before the tribunal, the government said it would examine the possibility of creating temporary artificial ponds at suitable locations to facilitate idol immersion without affecting natural water bodies.
The move follows concerns raised by the NGT over the environmental sensitivity of the two beaches, which have traditionally been used as major immersion points in the city.
The government has also assured the tribunal that the directions and guidelines issued by the Supreme Court, Madras High Court and NGT would be implemented. Necessary approvals from the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority and the Central Pollution Control Board will be obtained before establishing alternative immersion facilities.