In a move aimed at balancing cultural traditions with environmental responsibility, the Maharashtra government has issued revised guidelines for the immersion of Plaster of Paris (POP) Ganesh idols ahead of the upcoming Ganeshotsav celebrations. The decision comes in the aftermath of a Bombay High Court ruling that lifted the ban on POP idols but instructed the state to establish strict immersion protocols.
To facilitate easy identification and compliance, all POP idols will now be required to bear a circular red mark painted with oil paint on the back. This visual marker will help authorities segregate and manage idol immersion efficiently. The directive has laid out comprehensive rules for idol makers, sellers, and local governing bodies. Vendors and artisans dealing in POP idols will now be required to maintain detailed records of all sales. These records have been made mandatory for obtaining licences, marking a shift toward tighter regulation. Local bodies have been instructed to establish dedicated registration cells to document Utsav Samitis and Sarvajanik Mandals. This registration will include key details such as the composition of the idol material to enable suitable immersion arrangements.
The guidelines place significant emphasis on encouraging smaller idols for household worship. Where larger idols are installed, organisers have been advised to consider creating smaller replicas specifically for immersion purposes, allowing the original idol to be preserved or reused annually. For idols under six feet, immersion will be permitted solely in artificial ponds. Larger idols, in cases where artificial water bodies are not available, may be immersed in natural ones, provided civic agencies or appointed specialists conduct post-immersion clean-up operations to collect and dispose of POP remnants responsibly.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has been assigned the task of initiating a state-wide awareness campaign to promote eco-conscious festival practices. This includes the preparation of educational material, community outreach, and a dedicated media strategy. Idol makers are also required to distribute informative pamphlets to buyers detailing the new rules and promoting compliance.
In alignment with the High Court’s recommendations, the state has amended its previous July 21 notification and constituted a panel of experts to explore long-term sustainable solutions. This expert group will investigate the feasibility of developing faster-dissolving POP, recycling systems, and eco-friendly alternatives to reduce the festival’s environmental impact. As Ganeshotsav draws near, Maharashtra’s updated policy is focused to reflect a conscious step toward greener celebrations.
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