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India Today
5 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
High Court tells Maharashtra to consider tank immersion for idols over 5 feet
The Maharashtra government on Wednesday informed the Bombay High Court that it has made it mandatory for all Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols that are below 5 feet, to be immersed in artificial water tanks and not in natural water bodies like sea rivers or Advocate General Birendra Saraf, appearing for the state, said that about 1.95 lakh idols would thus be immersed in the artifical tanks, while about 7,000 idols which are above the set limit of five feet would be immersed in natural water submitted that even while the immersion takes place in natural water bodies, the PoP does not dissolve immediately, so the local government bodies will clean up the water bodies the next day after immersion. However, the bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne said that 7000 was a huge number and pointed out that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines state that no immersion of PoP idols can be permitted. It also asked the government to consider increasing the maximum height of PoP idols from 5 feet to seven or eight feet, which need to be immersed in artificial bench said, "We are only trying to lessen the environmental need to head to a day when there will be no immersion in the sea," while asking the Advocate General to consider the issue. Saraf submitted that between 5 and 10 feet, there are 3865 idols and above 10 feet are however, submitted that CPCB guidelines are only recommendatory in nature and not mandatory, though he added that after many campaigns by the state, people have started turning towards environmentally friendly material made however, said that making much larger tanks for idols above five feet was not feasible. Advocate Milind Sathe, appearing for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) concurred with Saraf and submitted that larger tanks would require a larger area, which is an issue in a city like Mumbai. The advocates added that there will be a requirement for large quantities of water as the bench directed the Advocate General to take instructions on whether provision can be made to submerge PoP idols about 7 to 8 feet in in January this year, the court had directed a put a complete ban on the manufacturing and sale of Ganpati idols made by Plaster of Paris (PoP). However, in June the court modified it's order and permitted the manufacturing of PoP idols and the state was directed to formulate a policy on immersion of PoP idols.- EndsTune InMust Watch
Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
HC asks govt if 8-foot Ganesh idols can be immersed in artificial tanks
Observing that nearly 7,000 large Ganesh idols of over 5 feet in height being immersed into natural water bodies can cause environmental concerns, the Bombay High Court asked the Maharashtra government to consider immersion of idols at least up to 7 to 8 feet in artificial tanks. This came after the Maharashtra government informed the HC about new guidelines for immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols issued through the Environment Department that idols exceeding five feet in height may be permitted to be immersed in natural water bodies such as lakes, sea and rivers in case no alternate immersion facility is available. A division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V Marne was hearing the state's response to a PIL against immersion of PoP idols in natural water sources. Moreover, a batch of pleas are filed by associations of Ganesh idol makers challenging the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines banning the use of idols made of PoP and their immersion, alleging that the same flouted their fundamental rights. Advocate General Birendra Saraf representing the government submitted policy guidelines for immersion of PoP idols as directed by HC last month. The guidelines stated that PoP idols intended for household celebrations or those less than five feet in height are mandatorily to be immersed only in artificial water ponds/tanks and local bodies will be responsible for implementation of such regulations. Moreover, local bodies are asked to encourage 'Ustav Samiti / Sarvajanik Mandals' within their area to install small-sized idols. In cases where large idols are installed, the committees should be encouraged to also install a smaller replica specifically for immersion purposes, while the larger idol may be reused or reinstalled in the following year. Last month, Justice Marne had suggested that the stakeholders can consider having the same large idol permanently on the lines of practice adopted in Pune. AG Saraf submitted that there are nearly 1,195,306 idols in Mumbai up to 5 feet height, 3865 idols ranging between 5 to 10 feet height and 3998 idols exceeding 10 feet height. Saraf added that the number of large Ganesh idols was much lesser. '7,000 (idols above 5 feet height) is still a huge number…their immersion in natural water bodies can cause environmental hazards and it is of environmental concern. We want you to increase the height (for immersion in artificial ponds/tanks) to 10 feet instead of 5 feet. Can it be feasible to make separate artificial tanks of over 25 feet depth for such idols of Sarvajanik Mandals above 5 feet?' the HC questioned the state and BMC. AG Saraf responded that it would be difficult to immerse such large idols in artificial ponds as a single idol will occupy the entire tank during immersion, and dissolution will take time. Saraf further said that PoP idols are not made of soluble material, therefore they will not dissolve immediately in natural water bodies. 'Therefore, the next morning the seabed will be cleaned and immersed material will be collected and removed. The judges then sought to know from the state government and BMC whether it was possible to create artificial water tanks for immersion of PoP idols of at least 7 or 8 feet height and posted further hearing to July 24 (Thursday).
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
State guidelines for immersion of PoP Ganesh idols
Mumbai: The state govt on Monday issued guidelines for immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols for Ganeshotsav. Guidelines issued by the Environment Department state that Ustav Samiti / Sarvajanik Mandal Ganpati idols exceeding five feet in height 'may be' permitted to be immersed in natural water bodies (like lakes and sea) where no alternative immersion facility is available. PoP idols intended for household celebrations or those less than five feet in height will have to be immersed only in artificial water ponds. All local bodies will be responsible for implementation of these regulations which also state that local bodies must encourage 'Ustav Samiti / Sarvajanik Mandals' in their jurisdiction to install small-sized idols. In cases where large idols are installed, the committees should be encouraged to also install a smaller replica specifically for immersion purposes, while the larger idol may be reused or reinstalled the following year, the guidelines state. The 10-day festival of Ganeshotsav begins Aug 27 and the idols have already started arriving in their pandals since mid July. In case of immersion in natural lakes or sea, since PoP doesn't dissolve immediately, local bodies will have to ensure collection of immersed material on the very next day of immersion. "The local body shall ensure collection either by themselves or by engaging specialised agencies to clean the sea bed or natural water bodies where idols are immersed. Also, collection and scientific recycling or reuse shall be undertaken by the local body," the guidelines state. At present, legal restrictions prevent PoP idol visarjan from being performed in the sea. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The guidelines also ask manufacturers and sellers of PoP idols to mark a clearly visible circular red symbol using oil paint on the backside of idols and idol-makers and -sellers must maintain a sale register for PoP idols. The guidelines state that local bodies will include this requirement as a condition for granting licences to idol makers and sellers.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fewer PoP idols for Ganeshotsav likely this year in Pune market after late high court ruling
1 2 3 Pune: Bombay High Court lifted the ban on the manufacture of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols for Ganeshotsav in June, which may result in fewer PoP idols in the market this year. Idol makers said they have little time to supply enough idols to the market. Hadapsar-based Sandeep Kumbhar and his team make 8,000 idols every year for the festival. This year, he has barely managed to make 6,000. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune "We have little time to prepare idols this year as the court lifted the ban on PoP idols only in June. In addition, the festival has arrived early this year. There is a huge demand, but we might not be able to supply enough idols on time," said Kumbhar, who runs Sandeep Arts. Idol makers usually start making a bulk of PoP idols by Jan every year. This year, however, they were awaiting the court ruling on the manufacture and sale of PoP idols, causing a delay in the process. Mala Dhanvate, a resident of Wanowrie, said, "There is a waitlist for idols. We usually get 1-foot idols, but this year the vendor told me that there is a crunch in the market." Abhijeet Abnave, who sells Ganapati idols in the city, said, "There is definitely going to be a shortage of PoP idols in the market this year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The rains have also started early, so idols are taking longer to dry. It takes about four days for each PoP idol to dry. Owing to the increased demand, idols are also 20-25% costlier this year than last year." PoP idols are this year likely to cost Rs 1,000 instead of Rs 700 last year. Nilesh Parsekar, who runs Vishwakarma Arts in Katraj, said there is a shortage of artists, as well. "Owing to the lack of clarity on the manufacture of PoP idols, limited idols were made. Now, there is a rush to make the idols, and labour is in high demand," he said. Artist Bhalchanda Deshmukh from Shukrawar Peth said the demand for Ganapati idols has increased significantly this year from mandals, homes, and even abroad. "We are working day and night to fulfil the demand," he said. Dhananjay Rajput, an artist from Kondhwa Budruk, who has been making idols for the last 25 years, echoed similar sentiments. "We usually make and sell 4,500 idols every year. This year, we have made only 2,500. We are paying the same warehouse rent and labour charges for 2,500 idols, so we have no option but to increase the price," he said. Dinesh Patil, a resident of Aundh, said he'll switch to a clay idol this year, considering the limited supply of PoP models.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ganeshotsav declared state festival of Maharashtra
Mumbai: The 10-day Ganeshotsav, which sees a community-organised public celebration in the state, has been declared the state festival of Maharashtra. The announcement was made by cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar in the assembly on Thursday. The demand was made by BJP MLA Hemant Rasane. The community celebration, or sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, was started by freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak in 1893. "The festival is rooted in social unity, nationalism, the spirit of freedom, self-respect, and pride in our language. It is a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural pride and identity," said Shelar. Shelar criticised the former MVA govt led by Uddhav Thackeray and said that during its regime in the Covid-19 era, even the Lalabagcha Raja mandal was not allowed, and restrictions were placed on PoP idols. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai He stressed that the Mahayuti govt worked towards resolving court cases that hindered the festival. "Our govt commissioned an in-depth study by the Kakodkar committee through the Rajiv Gandhi Science Commission. After the court's ruling, the making, displaying, and selling of PoP idols are now permitted," he said. He said the state was willing to provide the infrastructure and financial requirements for sarvajanik Ganeshotsav. He appealed to Ganesh mandals to incorporate themes that honour the armed forces, Operation Sindoor, and social initiatives.
