Bombay High Court Seeks Maharashtra's Stance on PoP Idol Ban Plea

The Bombay High Court has requested a response from the Maharashtra government regarding a plea for a complete ban on Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. This directive is timely, given the approaching Ganesh festival.

A public interest litigation filed by citizens and clay idol makers argued that the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) guidelines from May 12, 2020, are not being fully enforced in Maharashtra. These guidelines mandate a total ban on PoP idols due to severe water pollution caused by their immersion.

Implementation of CPCB Guidelines

The CPCB's Revised Guidelines for Idol Immersion, issued in 2020, called for a complete ban on PoP idols to prevent irreparable water pollution. Despite this, the petitioners claim that the state has delayed implementing these guidelines to appease PoP idol manufacturers.

Advocate Ronita Bhattacharya, representing the petitioners, highlighted that the CPCB's ban was supposed to take effect in 2021. However, the state government has been slow to act on it. The plea also suggested forming district-level committees for regular checks to ensure compliance with the CPCB guidelines.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives

The CPCB recommended using eco-friendly idols made from natural clay and biodegradable materials. This shift aims to reduce environmental damage during religious festivals.

The court has scheduled a hearing for August 28, considering the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival in September. This hearing will address the implementation of the CPCB guidelines and the state's response to the plea.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar issued a notice to the state government, seeking its response to the plea. The court's decision will be crucial in determining how Maharashtra handles idol immersions during festivals.

The plea underscores the need for strict enforcement of eco-friendly practices during religious celebrations. It aims to protect natural water bodies from pollution caused by PoP idols.

As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, the court's directive could significantly impact how idols are made and immersed in Maharashtra. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for other states facing similar environmental challenges during festivals.