Large Ganesh idols to be immersed in sea, Maharashtra govt tells Bombay HC

Last month, the Bombay High Court had lifted a ban on the manufacture and sale of idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP), but remarked that such idols should not be immersed in natural water bodies.

The earlier ban on PoP idols had posed a serious threat to the livelihood of lakhs of sculptors. This had prompted state Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar to direct the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission to conduct a thorough study on the matter. A panel led by scientist Dr Anil Kakodkar was commissioned, which examined the use of PoP and its environmental impact and submitted key recommendations to the government.

Relying on the findings of the committee, the state government conducted a detailed study and submitted its affidavit before the Bombay High Court on Thursday. The matter was heard by the bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne, with Advocate General Birendra Saraf outlining the state’s policy before the court.

The state government affirmed its commitment to upholding tradition, particularly the age-old practice of immersing large Ganesh idols in the sea. To maintain ecological balance, the existing system of using artificial ponds for the immersion of smaller, household idols of a certain height will continue as before.

The court has taken note of the government’s stance and the hearing will continue on Thursday.

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