Karwar: Localities staged a protest in Karwar on Friday demanding that they must be allowed to immerse the idols of Lord Ganesh in Kali river in Kodibag like before and this resulted in a verbal clash between the officers and the people for some time.

“We have been immersing Lord Ganesh idols on Kali river banks in Kodibag since many years. But this time, the place has been given to private party for a garden. Therefore, the district administration is providing alternative spot for immersion. But that area is polluted. Our religious sentiments will not allow us to immerse a holy idol in a polluted place”, said lawyer Nagraj Nayak.

Speaking at the spot, Deputy Commissioner S S Nakul said that the immersion of idols cannot be done in Kali river banks. Just near that spot, mud is being levelled and facility for immersion will be provided there. The City Municipal Council has also kept tanks for immersion of PoP idols made of clay and natural colours can be immersed in the river.

However, the people did not accept this and they insisted that they must be allowed to immerse the idols in the earlier spot. Bending to the pressure, the district administration gave nod for immersing idols in the Kali river garden area. But imposed certain conditions were deputed at the spot.

Assistant Commissioner Shivanand Karale, Tahsildar G N Naik, Additional Superintendent of Police Gopal Byakod, CMC Commissioner S Yogeshwar, MLA Satish Sail, Additional Deputy commissioner H Prasanna and others were present.