Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 21 August 2025
Hindu Rashtra Shakti has written to the Hon’ble Lt Governor, the Chief Secretary and the Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman) requesting that Marina Park—near the Rajiv Gandhi Statue—be allotted as the alternate venue for the upcoming immersion (visarjan) of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Durga idols.
In its representation, the organisation stated that the earlier immersion site at Chatham has become unviable because the Chatham Bridge is under restrictions due to damage, with heavy vehicles banned and only light vehicles carrying essential goods allowed at restricted speeds. Following this, Junglighat was allotted; however, the group said using Junglighat this year poses “considerable challenges” owing to severe traffic congestion during immersions, damaged and deteriorated approach roads that make idol transport difficult and unsafe, and the dense residential character of the area that leads to inconvenience for local residents.
Citing these constraints—bridge restrictions, traffic, road condition and the residential setting—the organisation has sought an alternate site for all pandals in the municipal area and proposed Marina Park for its better road conditions, absence of traffic issues, ample open space for devotees’ safety and sufficient parking area.
Emphasising environmental responsibility, the representation urged the Administration to organise a dedicated beach clean-up the next morning after immersion, involving the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council, local NGOs, NCC cadets, students from JNRM, B.Ed and Law colleges, the Coast Guard and other volunteers, to restore the beach to a pristine condition and protect the marine ecosystem.
