Hassan DC issues notice to SP over violation of prohibitory orders
The Hassan Deputy Commissioner has issued a show-cause notice to the local Superintendent of Police for failing to enforce prohibitory orders regarding the immersion of idols in a local tank. The dispute highlights a conflict between environmental regulations and long-standing local religious traditions.
Why it matters
It illustrates the friction between administrative environmental enforcement and local political/religious customs in India.
Hassan Deputy Commissioner K.S. Lathakumari has issued a show-cause notice to Superintendent of Police Shubhanvita over the immersion of Ganesha and Gowri idols at Devigere Tank, near Neerubagilu Anjaneya temple in the town, despite prohibitory orders issued by the DC.
On Saturday, the DC had prohibited immersion of Ganesha and Gowri idols in the tank area under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and Section 24 of the Water Act, 1974, until further orders.
The order cited the risk of pollution from chemical paints, flowers, fruits and puja materials, and its impact on water quality, public health and aquatic life. It followed requests from the Hassan City Municipal Corporation Commissioner and the Tahsildar.
The area falls under the Muzrai Department. However, the idols were immersed in the tank, violating the order.
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