Chennai Corporation to divert 700 Vinayaka idols for immersion from Pattinapakkam, Palavakkam to Ennore, Kovalam

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has decided to divert around 700 idols proposed to be immersed at Pattinapakkam and Palavakkam to Ennore and Kovalam, respectively, following concerns over the environmental suitability of the immersion locations.

According to the GCC’s report placed before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), 450 idols proposed for immersion at Palavakkam will be diverted to the Kovalam immersion site, while 250 idols proposed for Pattinapakkam will be diverted to Ennore. The decision followed discussions on the practical implications of excluding Pattinapakkam and Neelankarai, which the NGT had observed fall within the CRZ-I area.

The GCC had initially identified Pattinapakkam, Thiruvottiyur, Kasimedu, and Palavakkam as immersion locations in Chennai. Following concerns raised before the Tribunal that some of the identified locations could fall within the CRZ-prohibited area, the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA) was asked to examine the issue and identify alternative locations.