Legal Conflict Escalates Over Plaster of Paris Idols Ahead of Ganeshotsav
The Bombay High Court is scrutinizing the Maharashtra government's failure to enforce environmental protocols for idol immersions. As the 2024 festival season approaches, the judiciary continues to weigh commercial interests against the toxic impact of non-biodegradable materials on natural water bo
Key takeaways
- The Bombay High Court has mandated that PoP idols up to six feet must be immersed in artificial tanks until March 2026.
- Judges expressed displeasure at the CPCB for claiming its anti-pollution guidelines are merely advisory and lack statutory power.
- The Maharashtra government faces pressure to introduce fines for Mandals that ignore eco-friendly immersion protocols.
- Manufacturers suggest symbolic immersion and recycling as a compromise to protect commercial interests and the environment.
Why It Matters
The persistent use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) in festival idols poses a documented threat to aquatic ecosystems. While the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has advocated for eco-friendly alternatives since 2020, administrative lethargy and legal ambiguity have allowed thousands of non-dissolvable idols to enter natural water bodies annually. This legal battle represents a critical intersection of religious tradition, environmental law, and the fundamental duties of citizens.
Background
The current legal proceedings stem from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated by Rohit Manohar Joshi and a group of clay-idol artisans. The petitioners are demanding a total prohibition on PoP immersion and strict enforcement of the Water Pollution Act against manufacturers. Central to the dispute are the CPCB's May 2020 guidelines, which mandated a shift toward biodegradable materials. However, the CPCB recently complicated the matter by informing the court that these guidelines are advisory rather than statutory, a stance that drew sharp criticism from the bench.
Key Facts
- The Maharashtra government reported that approximately 1.96 lakh idols measure under five feet, while over 7,000 exceed that height.
- In 2024, the High Court ordered the state to ensure that all Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals strictly adhere to CPCB protocols, suggesting that municipal authorities secure written undertakings from organizers.
- Data from previous years indicates a significant compliance gap; of 1.95 lakh small idols, only 85,000 were immersed in artificial tanks despite 204 facilities being available.
- A July 2025 interim order mandates that all PoP idols up to six feet must be immersed in artificial tanks, a directive remaining in effect until March 2026.
- Manufacturers argue that a ban infringes on their right to conduct business, citing the lack of legislative backing for the CPCB’s recommendations.
What Happens Next
The court has urged the state to implement deterrents, including financial penalties, to ensure compliance. A proposed compromise involves the symbolic immersion of large PoP idols—where only the feet touch the water—followed by mechanical transport to recycling centers. Additionally, a state-appointed committee is expected to investigate scientific methods for the rapid dissolution of PoP and the potential for recycling materials to mitigate long-term environmental damage.
Source: The Hindu — National
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