Vijayawada: The immersion of nearly 1,000 idols of Lord Ganesh has polluted River Krishna in the city.

The idols were immersed at Krishnaveni ghat, which is now, stinking due to chemicals getting mixed with the water. Further, the water at the ghat is at a very low-level.

In the downstream, the river has almost dried up and immersion of idols is feared to further deplete the water-level. Officials prohibited immersion of Ganesh idols upstream, fearing it would pollute water at Prakasam barrage. Cranes were arranged to facilitate immersion of idols downstream.

Hundreds of Plaster of Paris idols painted with chemicals and adorned with glitters were immersed till Tuesday and many of them are floating in the water even now emanating a pungent odour of chemical colours.

"The immersion of idols has polluted River Krishna downstream. We have came to Krishnaveni ghat to see lighting arranged for Prakasam barrage but are not able to withstand the smell coming out of the river. As the water-level is low, the idols are half-immersed and officials should clear them to stop pollution of water," said K. Bhargavi, a B.Tech student.

Environmentalists have been demanding clearing the dumped idols to protect the water in the river.

“We are organising protest demonstrations demanding protection of rivers and preventing pollution of rivers in the name of festivals and traditions.