Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday asked the Maharashtra government to consider mandating the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols up to eight feet in height only in artificial water tanks, in a bid to minimise environmental damage during Ganeshotsav. Currently, the state has made it compulsory only for PoP idols up to five feet to be immersed in artificial ponds.
Court pushes for stricter eco-protection during Ganeshotsav
“See to what extent it is possible to increase the height to eight feet. We want to see that the impact on the environment is minimal,” a bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne said.
The court was hearing petitions challenging the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) 2020 guidelines banning both manufacture and immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies. Initially, a PIL was filed by Thane-based environmentalist Rohit Joshi, through advocate Ronita Bhattacharya, seeking strict implementation of the CPBC guidelines banning immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies.
Over 7,000 large PoP idols still allowed in natural water bodies
The state, represented by Advocate General Birendra Saraf, submitted that over 1.95 lakh PoP idols are under five feet and will be mandatorily immersed in artificial tanks. However, nearly 7,000 to 8,000 PoP idols — 3,865 between 5–10 feet and 3,998 above 10 feet — are permitted to be immersed in natural water bodies under the current policy.
“7,000 is a huge number. Such a large volume of PoP idols going into natural water bodies can cause environmental hazard. Why can’t you immerse idols up to 10 feet in artificial tanks?” the bench asked.
Saraf responded that immersion of 10-feet idols in artificial tanks would be logistically difficult as each would occupy an entire tank. “PoP idols do not dissolve easily. Hence local bodies will undertake cleaning of the sea bed the very next day of immersion,” he said.
Saraf assured that the policy was formulated after taking into consideration all the relevant facts and circumstances as regards the immersion of idols. He added that various safeguards have been introduced in the policy for protection of the environment.
Judges concerned over pollution risks and ineffective dissolution of PoP
The bench remained unconvinced. “Still, 7,000 idols going into the sea is significant. Our concern is the environment. This is a step in the right direction, but the beginning must be stronger,” the Chief Justice stressed.
Justice Marne also pointed out that PoP is not a soluble material and said, “We are headed towards a day where there may be no immersion at all. Can we not reduce the height and make more progress this year?”
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Government cites logistical issues, seeks time to revisit policy
The state informed that it has already marked PoP idols with red symbols for easy identification, mandated cleaning of sea beds after immersion, and is considering the formation of an expert committee for PoP recycling.
The AG sought time to take instructions on increasing the height limit to eight feet. The court adjourned the matter to Thursday, stating it would pass interim orders for this year’s festival celebrations.
