Urgent: Bombay High Court Commands State to Ban Plaster of Paris Idols in Ganeshotsav for a Greener Tomorrow
Ahead of the ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ festival in Mumbai, the Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to ensure that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and all other civic bodies in the State enforce a strict ban on the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols. This directive aligns with the Central Pollution Control Board guidelines from May 2020, which prohibit PoP idols for immersion.
The ruling came on Friday during a hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Thane-based Rohit Joshi and nine other clay-based idol craftsmen. The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar, emphasized the need for municipal bodies to take undertakings from Ganesh Puja committees ensuring compliance with the guidelines.
The court expressed its dissatisfaction with the ongoing production and use of PoP idols despite the ban, criticizing the BMC for failing to implement the guidelines effectively. The Bench suggested that the lack of penalties and fines was a key issue and recommended introducing fines to ensure compliance.
Advocate Narayan Bubna, representing civic authorities, argued against an immediate ban on PoP idols, stating it could impact the festival this year and suggesting proper implementation from 2025 onward. Advocate General Birendra Saraf, representing the Maharashtra government, highlighted efforts to promote the use of eco-friendly idols and acknowledged some positive shifts in public behavior.
The High Court stressed the need for a statutory framework to enforce the guidelines effectively and ensure accountability among idol manufacturers. The court has called for affidavits from the State government, municipal corporations, and other respondents, scheduling the next hearing for October 21.
In summary, the High Court’s directive aims to protect the environment by enforcing eco-friendly practices during Ganesh Chaturthi, urging immediate and effective action from all civic bodies in Maharashtra.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/make-sure-ganeshotsav-mandals-do-not-use-plaster-of-paris-idols-bombay-high-court-to-state/article68586510.ece
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