High Court Ganpati Mandals Issued Permissions Must Be Told Not To Use Pop Idols

High Court: Ganesh Mandals Issued Permissions Must Be Told Not to Use PoP Idols

Bombay High Court Instructions

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to ensure that all Ganesh mandals issued permissions for the upcoming festival are directed to refrain from using Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols.

Reasoning and Environmental Concerns

The court's instructions stem from environmental concerns, as PoP idols contain toxic substances that can pollute water bodies when immersed for visarjan. Moreover, these idols do not biodegrade, leading to long-term environmental damage.

Alternatives to PoP Idols

To address these concerns, the court has recommended that mandals use eco-friendly alternatives such as clay or papier-mâché idols. These materials are biodegradable and do not pose environmental hazards.

Previous Guidelines

This directive is in line with previous guidelines issued by the MPCB, which has consistently advised against using PoP idols. In 2020, the board prohibited the use of PoP idols and encouraged citizens to use traditional clay Ganesh idols instead.

Steps for Compliance

To ensure compliance with the court's instructions, the following steps can be taken:

• MPCB should issue clear directives to all Ganesh mandals.
• Mandals should procure eco-friendly idols from authorized manufacturers.
• Citizens should actively support mandals using biodegradable materials.

Conclusion

The Bombay High Court's directive is a significant step towards promoting environmental protection during the Ganesh festival. By discouraging the use of PoP idols, the court has helped raise awareness about the harmful effects of these materials and encouraged the adoption of sustainable practices.