Teppostava at Sankey tank irks environmentalists

Green groups saw red and fumed against religious celebrations at Sankey tank, after permission was granted to the Lakshminarasimha Swami Temple, Malleswaram, to organise Teppotsava (boat procession for the deity) on Sunday evening.

The activists have lodged a complaint against the temple at the Sadashivnagar police station. This is not the first time an event has been organised at the tank. Recently, a flugtag event was organised with generators, lights and music around the lake.

Protesting against such public events at the water body, Madhuri Subbarao, member of One Bengaluru for Lakes, said that it is a clear violation as the government must not allow any public events inside the lake that harm the eco-system.  

“I am not sure how much the Gods will be happy worshipped amidst sewage water, but people will surely kill the sanctity of the lake.  Organising such an event is clearly against the Supreme Court directions and calls for contempt,” she added.

She said that teppotsava uses large-scale lighting with high beams, accompanied by loud music and huge crowds. With people thronging to watch the ritual, distribution of prasada will also litter the lake. Madhuri says that the temple has been granted permission for teppotsava by authorities who are not responsible for the protection of the lake. 

“The permission has been granted by the Horticulture department, whereas the BBMP and the Forest department have remained mum.”

She said that there are many species of birds which have made Sankey tank their home and such loud activities will only affect its biodiversity. 

However, a staff member of the temple said that the temple belongs to the Muzrai department and that they have secured the necessary permission to hold the teppotsava.