The Bombay High Court has sought a response from the Maharashtra government regarding a plea that calls for the complete ban on the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) for making religious idols immersed in water.
This directive comes in anticipation of the popular Ganesh festival.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had issued “Revised Guidelines for Idol Immersion” on May 12, 2020, which mandate a complete ban on the use of PoP due to the severe and irreparable water pollution caused by immersing these idols in natural water bodies.
A public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a group of citizens and clay idol makers claimed that these guidelines were not being fully implemented in Maharashtra.
A bench of Chief Justice D. K. Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar issued a notice to the state government, seeking its response.
The petitioners’ advocate, Ronita Bhattacharya, submitted that despite the CPCB ban in 2020, which was supposed to take effect in 2021, the state has been delaying its implementation to appease manufacturers of PoP idols.
The CPCB has recommended using eco-friendly idols made of natural clay and biodegradable materials, as claimed in the plea. The plea also called for the formation of district-level committees to conduct regular checks and ensure the effective implementation of the revised CPCB guidelines.
The court has scheduled the matter for hearing on August 28, 2024.
