Maharashtra Govt to Finalize Idol Immersion Policy in Three Weeks

Mumbai, June 30 (PTI) — The Maharashtra government announced on Monday its plan to draft a policy regarding the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols within three weeks. The Bombay High Court has urged the prompt formulation of this policy, given the imminent festival season. Earlier this month, the high court allowed the manufacturing and sale of PoP idols but stated these idols cannot be immersed in natural water bodies without its explicit permission. Consequently, the court directed the state government to reach a policy decision regarding the immersion process, taking into account recommendations from the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) expert committee. Advocate General Birendra Saraf informed Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne that while meetings have been conducted, an additional three weeks are needed to finalize the policy. The bench expressed its willingness to grant more time but emphasized the necessity to consider the fast-approaching festival season. "Festivals are approaching from August. We also require time to review the policy, so ensure it's submitted to the court by July 23," the bench instructed. The allowance for the production and sale of PoP idols came after a CPCB clarification, noting that its updated guidelines only applied to the idol immersion process. The court was addressing multiple petitions from associations of Ganesh idol manufacturers, arguing that the CPCB's guidelines banning PoP idols and their immersion infringe on their fundamental rights. —