Mumbai Municipal Corporation Issues Ban On POP Ganesh Idols For Ganeshotsav; No Imports From Konkan Region

The Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) has taken strong measures to prevent the sale and purchase of Plaster of Paris (POP) Ganesh idols in the city and suburbs for the upcoming Ganeshotsav. After issuing a ban on the manufacturing of POP Ganesh idols within Mumbai, the Municipal Corporation has now decided to stop the entry of such idols from outside the city, according to a Lokmat report. A letter to this effect has been sent to the Konkan Divisional Commissioner, as informed by the municipal administration.

The use of POP idols in large numbers during Ganeshotsav has been identified as a significant environmental concern. The Municipal Corporation has ordered strict adherence to the restrictions imposed by the High Court on January 30, 2025, and the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in 2020 regarding the ban on POP idols. Deputy Commissioner of the Environment Department, Avinash Kate, is tasked with overseeing the implementation of these measures.

Photo Credit: PTI

Action By Konkan Commissioner's Office

To prevent POP Ganesh idols from Raigad, Thane, Sindhudurg, and other regions from entering Mumbai, the MMC has urged the Konkan Divisional Commissioner to take immediate action. The Konkan Commissioner's Office has responded positively, issuing instructions to take action against those involved in transporting these idols into the city.

Challenges And Future Steps

Despite the Municipal Corporation's efforts to ban POP idols, there remains a high demand for them among the public. Many Ganesh devotees still prefer POP idols due to their affordability, and it is expected that the demand will continue to rise this year. The government may need to make a positive decision on this issue, and efforts will be made to address this.

Study On Environmental Impact

A committee of experts from the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission will soon conduct a study on the environmental impact of POP Ganesh idols. The study will assess whether these idols are harmful to the environment and contribute significantly to pollution. Based on the findings, necessary actions will be taken, as clarified by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar.