NGT directs TNPCB to issue dos and don'ts ahead of Ganesh festival

Chennai, June 18: In a significant move aimed at protecting the environment during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to publish detailed information on penalties for violations of environmental regulations and to initiate a state-wide awareness campaign.

The bench, comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member K. Satyagopal, ordered the TNPCB to launch the campaign within a week and ensure that “dos and don’ts” along with applicable fines are widely publicised by June 30.

The directive comes amid growing concern over the environmental impact of idol immersions involving non-biodegradable materials. Central to the tribunal’s concern is the widespread use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) and chemically-laden paints in idols, despite a ban issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 2010 and reinforced with stricter guidelines in 2020.

Enforcement of these norms, however, has been uneven, especially in coastal cities like Chennai. The TNPCB, in its submission, claimed it had taken action against several unauthorised PoP idol manufacturing units, some of which were sealed. Nevertheless, violations continue, particularly in urban areas.

Following last year’s Ganesh Chaturthi, clean-up operations in Chennai alone recovered around 150 metric tonnes of idol fragments and festival-related waste from beaches such as Pattinapakkam, Kasimedu, and Palavakkam.

While acknowledging the need to respect religious practices, the NGT made it clear that such festivities must not result in environmental degradation.

“We are not restricting the celebration of the festival; we are targeting the pollution it causes,” the bench observed, underscoring the necessity of sustainable celebration methods.

The tribunal also took issue with the TNPCB’s reluctance to implement the “polluter-pays” principle -- a model it had recommended in early 2024 to make polluters financially accountable for post-festival clean-up.

Citing legal and religious sensitivities, the TNPCB has so far avoided implementing the fee. The NGT, however, reiterated that such a mechanism is essential for ensuring that the cost burden does not fall on taxpayers.

As part of its order, the NGT encouraged the use of eco-friendly practices, including clay idols, natural dyes, and designated immersion zones. With the festival drawing near, the tribunal’s ruling is expected to shape public behaviour and administrative planning across Tamil Nadu.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:

P

Priya K.

Finally some strict action! Every year after Ganesh Chaturthi, our beaches look like garbage dumps. Why can't people understand that devotion and environmental care can go hand in hand? Clay idols are just as beautiful 🙏

R

Rahul S.

Good move by NGT but implementation is key. Last year also there were rules but PoP idols were everywhere. TNPCB should conduct surprise checks at idol makers and impose heavy fines. Our marine life is suffering because of this negligence.

M

Meena V.

As someone who lives near Marina beach, I fully support this. The post-festival cleanup takes weeks and the stench is unbearable. Maybe temples can lead by example and use only eco-friendly idols? 🪷 #CleanChennai

A

Arjun P.

While I agree with environmental concerns, the government should first provide affordable alternatives. Eco-friendly idols cost 2-3 times more. Make clay idols cheaper and PoP unavailable - problem solved!

S

Shalini R.

Our family has been using the same clay idol for 5 years - we do symbolic immersion in a bucket at home. Tradition can adapt! The NGT is right about polluter-pays principle. Why should my taxes clean up others' mess?

K

Karthik N.

The awareness campaign must target schools and colleges. Young people can influence their families to go green. Maybe celebrity endorsements too? Imagine Rajinikanth promoting eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi - mass impact guaranteed! 😄

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