Mumbai, September 14: At least 40 people died in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh in the last 24 hours during immersion of Ganesh idols in water. The worst tragedy took place in Bhopal, where 11 people lost their lives after a boat capsized near Khatlapura Ghat in the Lower Lake. The incident reportedly took place during a Ganpati Visarjan. Ganesh Visarjan Turns Tragic in Delhi, 4 Persons Drown in Yamuna River After Ganpati Pooja.

According to a report published in The Times of India, all the deceased were from the same locality – 100 Quarters. The idol was carried on the two boats. After travelling 50 feet from the bank, the Idol started slipping and finally one of the boats overturned. State Chief Minister Kamal Nath had announced a compensation of Rs 11 Lakh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the incident. He tweeted, “The capsizing of a boat at Khatlapura Ghat in Bhopal is saddening. In this hour of grief, our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives.” Irresponsible Ganpati Visarjan Leads to Pollution of Beaches and Rivers, Users Share Pics and Videos of Waste.

PM Modi's Tweet:

Meanwhile, four people drowned in Delhi in the Yamuna river near thokar no. 17. The incident took place on Anant Chaturdashi, Thursday, when as many as eight people, including the deceased, decided to have a bath in the Yamuna after Ganesh pooja. A total of 23 deaths were also reported across 11 districts of Maharashtra including - Pune, Nagpur, Mumbai, Amravati, Nashik, Thane and Sindhudurg districts. Two people from UP’s Moradabad were reported to be drowned during the immersion of Ganpati idol.

The 10-day Ganeshotsav culminated on September 12 with the immersion of Ganpati idol in the water bodies. The festivities begin on September 2. The Ganesh Utsav is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, especially in Maharashtra.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2019 09:57 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).