Tension over immersion resolved

KOLHAPUR, Sept 23: Mild tension gripping the city over opposition to immerse 21 ft tall Ganesh idols in Rankala lake was defused today with the Ganesh Mandals agreeing to immerse these idols in panyachi khan, an extended part of the Rankala lake on Radhanagari road.

The decision was reached at after a series of talks between the mandals, the pro-save Rankala citizens8217; groups and the civic and district administration.

Immersing the big idols in the picturesque 8th Century lake was objected to by groups of citizens pressing for steps to save the lake from the pollution. Both, the mandals and the environmentalists, remaining adamant on their stands with the immersion day approaching had created a mild tension in the city. About 11 mandals in this erstwhile princely city have installed 21 ft tall Ganapati idols.