The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS) has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to allow public Ganeshotsav mandals to immerse their idols in the sea this year. The demand comes as the Bombay High Court continues to hear petitions related to the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesha idols.
As per a report by HT, the BSGSS wants the rotational system used last year for large idols to continue. Under the arrangement, Ganesha idols taller than six feet could be immersed in water bodies on a rotational basis.
The demand was raised during a meeting held on Saturday, August 8. Representatives of public Ganeshotsav mandals from Mumbai and nearby areas attended the meeting. They questioned whether a complete policy on PoP idol immersion had been prepared and that mandals and the Samiti had not been consulted for decisions.
This comes after the Bombay High Court directed the state government earlier this year to address the issue. The lack of consultation with key stakeholders had led to the issue coming up again this year. As per sources, the BSGSS had also written to Chief Minister Fadnavis two months ago, asking that public Ganeshotsav mandals be allowed to immerse their idols in the sea this year.
In the meeting, the mandals sought a two-day extension to the usual 10 p.m. deadline. The mandals said it would also allow them to hold live programmes and other local celebrations. Currently, the deadline is relaxed for four days during the festival to support immersion-related activities.
The meeting also saw Ganeshotsav mandals raise concerns about the availability of alternatives to PoP. Representatives demanded that the government set a clear deadline for developing an eco-friendly replacement for PoP idols. The mandals also raised issues related to the festival. These included the INR 2,000 fines imposed on Ganpati mandals over potholes and penalties linked to overhanging tree branches and exposed cable wires last year.
Representatives also discussed issues related to the police, traffic, administration and electrical departments. The BSGSS assured the participating mandals that their concerns would be discussed with the relevant government departments. The Samiti also asked the mandals to submit their complaints in writing so that they could be raised with the authorities for timely action.