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Key Points

The Maharashtra government has permitted the immersion of large Ganesh idols in the sea while maintaining eco-friendly measures for smaller idols. The decision follows a Bombay High Court hearing where the state defended tradition alongside environmental concerns. A scientific panel led by Dr Anil Kakodkar recommended lifting the POP ban, supporting artisans' livelihoods. The court will continue reviewing the government's policy tomorrow.

Key Points: Maharashtra Allows Sea Immersion for Large Ganesh Idols After Bombay HC Hearing

  • Maharashtra allows sea immersion for large Ganesh idols
  • POP ban lifted after Dr Kakodkar's study
  • Artificial ponds to be used for smaller idols
  • Bombay HC hears govt's stance on tradition & environment
2 min read

Immersion of large Ganesh idols to take place in sea; Maharashtra govt in Bombay HC

Maharashtra govt permits sea immersion for large Ganesh idols while maintaining eco-friendly measures for smaller idols, balancing tradition and environment.

"The sanctity of the festival and its associated rituals, including idol immersion, will be fully preserved. – Maharashtra Government"

Mumbai, July 23

In a significant step towards balancing tradition with environmental responsibility, the government, on Wednesday, submitted an affidavit in the Bombay High Court stating that domestic Ganesh idols of a certain height will be immersed in artificial ponds, said a press statement.

While large idols of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals will be immersed in the traditional manner in the sea, with all necessary environmental precautions in place.

This move will pave the way for the immersion of large Ganesh idols in the sea. The ban on POP (Plaster of Paris) posed a serious threat to the livelihoods of lakhs of sculptors and jeopardised the economy of a major traditional industry.

In response, Maharashtra's Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar urged the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission to conduct a thorough study. A panel led by renowned scientist Dr Anil Kakodkar was commissioned to examine the use of POP and its environmental impact, and it submitted key recommendations to the government.

Following the submission of this report by the Union Ministry of Environment to the court, the ban on POP was lifted. The court then directed the state government to clarify its stand on the immersion of large Ganesh idols.

Relying on the findings of Dr Kakodkar's committee, the state conducted a detailed study and submitted its affidavit before the Bombay High Court today. 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.

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

Emphasising Mumbai's rich legacy of over a hundred years of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav celebrations, the government has assured the court that the sanctity of the festival and its associated rituals, including idol immersion, will be fully preserved. At the same time, environmentally conscious measures will also be implemented.

The court has taken note of the government's stance, and the hearing will continue tomorrow.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I appreciate the government's efforts but I'm still concerned about POP idols being allowed. The marine life suffers so much during immersions. Why can't we shift completely to eco-friendly materials? Our traditions must evolve with times.
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Arjun K
As a sculptor's son, I'm relieved the ban on POP is lifted. Thousands of families depend on this for livelihood. The Kakodkar committee's recommendations seem practical - balancing both economy and environment. Jai Maharashtra! 🇮🇳
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Sarah B
Interesting to see how India navigates between cultural traditions and modern environmental concerns. The artificial pond solution seems like a good middle path. More countries should learn from such community-based approaches.
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Vikram M
The 100+ year tradition of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav is Mumbai's pride! Good that the government recognizes this while still taking environmental precautions. The mandals already do so much social work - this decision respects their contributions too.
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Kavya N
Every year after visarjan, our beaches look like garbage dumps 😔 While I love Ganesh Chaturthi, we need stricter implementation of cleanup drives. The government should allocate more funds for post-immersion beach cleaning.

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