The Maharashtra government has informed the Bombay High Court that making clay Ganesh idols compulsory for this year's Ganesh festival is not practical, as preparations for the festival are already well underway and most idols have already been manufactured.
During the hearing on petitions concerning the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, the state said it supports the promotion of eco-friendly clay idols in line with environmental objectives. However, it argued that enforcing a complete shift to clay idols this year would severely affect thousands of idol makers and devotees who have already made arrangements for the festival.
The government also submitted that the transition to clay idols should be implemented in a phased manner rather than through an immediate ban. It maintained that the Central Pollution Control Board's guidelines regarding PoP idols are advisory and should be applied with practical considerations.
The state assured the court that it would continue promoting the use of eco-friendly clay idols through awareness campaigns while ensuring compliance with existing environmental norms during idol immersion.
The Bombay High Court is currently hearing petitions seeking stricter implementation of eco-friendly Ganesh idol regulations and measures to reduce environmental pollution caused during idol immersions. The matter is still under judicial consideration.
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