Ganesh Utsav Organisers Should Avoid Using Plaster Of Paris Idols, Says HC TO Maharashtra

Ganesh Utsav organisers should avoid using plaster of Paris idols, said High Court to Maharashtra. The order aims to tackle water pollution caused by Ganpati visarjan (idol immersion), the Bombay High Court stated. On Friday, the court directed that organizers must avoid using Ganesha idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP), which have been identified as a major contributor to environmental pollution.

Enforcement of CPCB Guidelines

Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, announcing the order, emphasized the importance of adhering to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines. The court directed all civic bodies across the state to enforce this condition for Mandals seeking to organize Ganeshotsav celebrations. The Chief Justice stated, “We understand that permissions have already been granted to many Mandals. Let the authorities inform them to avoid using PoP idols. The final decision on the broader ban will be made in due course.”

Deadline for Compliance

The court has set October 31 as the deadline for stakeholders, including civic bodies and Ganeshotsav Mandals, to submit their affidavits in response to the court's directives. This move aims to ensure compliance with the new conditions and to address any logistical issues before the festival.

Criticism of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

The court also criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for its failure to enforce the CPCB guidelines on PoP idol use, which have been in place since 2020. Justices Upadhyay and Amit Borkar expressed frustration over the BMC's lack of action, highlighting the need for more effective implementation of environmental regulations.

Future Considerations

While the immediate focus is on enforcing the use of non-PoP idols for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the court noted that a comprehensive ban on PoP idols would be considered in future proceedings. The directive reflects the court's commitment to addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional celebrations.