Traffic bottlenecks on Malerkotla roads as devotees take Ganesha idols for immersion

As devotees headed to the canal banks for Ganpati Visarjan, roads in Malerkotla witnessed significant traffic congestion. The administration claimed to have taken proactive measures to minimise bottlenecks, especially near popular immersion venues like Mahorana Bridge on Malerkotla-Nabha Road and Jandali Bridge on the Bathinda Branch of the Sirhind Canal, which see large crowds annually for the festival.

Despite the usual presence of private divers at most visarjan sites, extra police personnel and mobile teams were deployed to prevent any untoward incidents. Senior officials, including DSPs Davinder Singh Sandhu, Kuldeep Singh, and Manavjit Singh Sidhu, supervised security arrangements in Amargarh, Malerkotla, and Ahmedgarh.

“Although no religious organisation has specifically requested additional security, SHOs and beat in-charges have been instructed to manage the increased traffic and monitor congestion near canal banks,” said DSP Sandhu. He also noted that the Sadak Suraksha Force was placed on high alert to ensure smooth movement.

Hundreds of devotees, who kept Lord Ganesha idols in their homes for nine days, offered prayers and sweets in honour of the deity. On the day of immersion, groups of residents marched towards the canals, dancing and singing. Many, especially women and children, were seen tearfully bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha. The farewell was marked by vibrant colours as devotees played with powder on their way to the canal.