Bombay High Court Orders Maharashtra to Ban Plaster of Paris Ganesh Idols for Cleaner Ganpati Visarjan

In an effort to address water pollution during the Ganpati visarjan (immersion) period, the Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to impose strict conditions on Ganeshotsav organizers. The court has mandated that organizers must adhere to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines and avoid using Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP).

The court’s decision comes after a plea from the association of idol manufacturers, which sought intervention on the matter. While a complete ban on PoP idols has not yet been enforced, the court emphasized the need for extraordinary measures to address the pollution issue. Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar stated that the use of PoP idols would be banned, citing the importance of adhering to existing environmental guidelines.

The bench noted that despite the CPCB guidelines being in place since May 2020 and various efforts by Municipal Corporations and the state government, the use of PoP in idols had not ceased. The court criticized the lack of enforcement measures, such as fines, and acknowledged that while immediate implementation might impact artisans’ livelihoods, the guidelines had been in effect for a considerable time.

The court’s order requires that Sarvajanik Mandals (public celebration groups) seeking permission for this year’s Ganesh festival be informed that they must comply with the guidelines and avoid using PoP idols. For those who have already received permission, an additional condition will be imposed to ensure compliance. The decision aims to mitigate environmental damage and uphold the CPCB’s environmental protection standards.