Sri Vijaya Puram, October 21: Andaman and Nicobar Islands MP Bishnu Pada Ray has urged the Union Territory administration to arrange a dedicated system for transporting Durga Puja idols to deeper waters for immersion, citing concerns that the designated immersion sites at Marina Park and Junglighat remain unsuitable during low tide.
In a letter dated October 19 to the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ray requested directions to the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) and other concerned departments to facilitate the transportation of idols by vessel ferry from Phoenix Bay Jetty to deeper waters for immersion.
The MP said around 20 Durga Puja committees were organising festivities at various locations from October 19 to 21, 2026. Under the existing permission arrangements, idols of Goddess Durga and other deities installed alongside her could be immersed only at Marina Park and Junglighat.
Traditionally, idol immersion was conducted in the deep sea between Chatham and Haddo bridges. However, this practice has been discontinued for about a year because repair and reconstruction work on the bridge is underway. As a result, Marina Park and Junglighat have been designated as the alternative immersion locations.
Ray pointed out that these locations become unsuitable during low tide, when idols remain partially exposed above the water and can drift towards the shore with the movement of sea waves. He said such conditions affect the religious sanctity and intended purpose of the immersion ritual.
According to the letter, Durga Puja committees have approached the Directorate of Shipping Services to arrange vessel transportation from Phoenix Bay Jetty to deeper waters. A similar arrangement has reportedly been made by the Marine Department for the immersion of idols following the Marine Hall celebrations. However, the MP said the DSS had expressed its inability to make the necessary arrangements.
Taking note of the difficulties faced by the committees, Ray requested the Lieutenant Governor to intervene and instruct the DSS and relevant departments to ensure that all Durga Puja committees can transport their idols by vessel to deeper waters for immersion.
He said the proposed arrangement would enable committees to conduct the ritual in accordance with religious traditions and ensure a dignified immersion of the idols.
The MP also referred to similar arrangements followed in West Bengal, Mumbai, Gujarat and other coastal regions, arguing that the administration could adopt a comparable system in the islands.
The letter was also marked to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman, the Superintendent of Police, South Andaman, and the Director of the Directorate of Shipping Services for information and necessary action.
The request comes amid the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations across the islands, with the availability of a suitable immersion facility emerging as a concern for organisers seeking to complete the rituals in accordance with established traditions.
