Maharashtra Govt Tells HC It Cannot Implement Modi's Clay Idol Appeal This Year
The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it cannot immediately implement Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to use only eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols for this year's festival. Advocate General Milind Sathe told the court that with celebrations just 40 days away and most idols already manufactured, immediate implementation was not feasible.
The State held a meeting with stakeholders on July 31 and decided to defer the implementation to next year. For this year's festival, Maharashtra seeks to continue last year's policy allowing plaster-of-Paris idols above six feet to be immersed in natural water bodies, with residue collection within 24 hours and scientific recycling. The government committed to phase out PoP idols gradually and encourage natural colours through local body support.
The High Court is hearing petitions on enforcement of the Central Pollution Control Board's 2020 guidelines prohibiting PoP idol immersion in natural water bodies. The case includes a public interest petition by environmentalist Rohit Joshi and challenges from PoP idol manufacturers.
