Sangli :Under the pretext of water pollution, anti-religion organizations are
compelling Ganesh-devotees to donate Sri Ganesh idols instead of their immersion. In this context, Shri. Narayanrao Kadam, President Hindu Ekta Andolan and Shri. Appasaheb Katkar, ex-District Chief of Shiv Sena were making an appeal to the people in the meeting of ‘Peace Committee’ held on
behalf of the police, at ‘Small-scale Savings Hall’ in the District Collector’s
office that nobody should compel anyone to do something that would hurt feelings and the idols should be immersed in water.
The meeting was attended by the District Collector, District Police Superintendent and officials from various departments. Comrade Pujari of Sangali district Nivara Sangh and Shri Mohan Sable raised objection to the appeal made by Shri. Kadam for immersion of Sri Ganesh idols. Therefore, initially there were some heated arguments. Com. Pujari said that he did not believe in God. Therefore, Shri. Katkar said that since Shri Pujari did not believe in God, he need not go into details of Ganesh immersion. While supporting Shri. Katkar, Shri. Kadam stated that when one does not drink tea, there is no need to ask for its recipe. It was finally decided that appeal should be made to people for not throwing the stale flowers and other material in water; but no compulsion would be made for donation of the idols. It was also decided that in the public celebration of Ganesh festival, the Ganesh Committees should not put up such displays that would cause provocation or controversies. The citizens should know their responsibilities as the terrorism has reached their doorstep.
It was also assured that in Sangali-Miraj areas, noise pollution will be controlled with the help of Three Decibel Meter and action will be taken on those who do not follow the directions. It was also informed that necessary measures have been taken to control the traffic.
