Bombay High Court Lifts Ban on Making PoP Ganesh Idols: The Bombay High Court has allowed artisans to resume making Ganesh idols from Plaster of Paris (PoP), but it has made one strict rule: immersion in rivers, lakes, or the sea remains banned. The court clarified that previous guidelines came from pollution authorities and carried no legal weight, giving states flexibility to decide how to handle idol immersion. (Bombay High Court Lifts Ban on Making PoP Ganesh Idols)
The decision marks a change from a January order, which had effectively stopped all PoP idol production during Ganeshotsav. This time, the court instructed the Maharashtra government to create a clear policy on PoP idol immersion within three weeks. The new rule emphasizes that immersion in natural water bodies can only happen with court approval, while artificial tanks or ponds must serve as the only usual option.
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Artisans must make PoP idols more visibly identifiable adding a red mark so devotees and officials can distinguish them from clay idols. This aims to help regulators and organizers manage environmentally safer idol immersion programs.
Idol-making associations welcomed the change, saying it protects both their livelihoods and cultural traditions. They stressed that PoP crafting supports many small businesses and artists. Environmental groups backed the immersion ban in natural water, citing rising pollution levels caused by dissolving PoP idols.
With Ganeshotsav just weeks away, organizers now face a tight timeline to adapt. They need to source PoP materials, design markings, and coordinate artificial immersion sites as required. The court will review progress at its next hearing on June 30.
This ruling strikes a careful balance. It recognizes artisans’ rights to use PoP while protecting public water bodies. If officials and communities follow these rules, the festival can move forward honoring tradition and safeguarding the environment at the same time.
