'7,000 Idols Is A Huge Number': Bombay High Court Urges Maharashtra Govt To Explore Artificial Immersion For Taller Ganesh Idols

In a development in the ongoing litigation with respect to ban on Plaster of Paris (PoP) made Ganesh idols and immersion of the same in natural waterbodies, the Maharashtra Government today furnished a new policy before the Bombay High Court stating that it will permit immersion of only idols above 5 feet in natural water bodies and the same will be removed the next morning itself, to avoid any harm to the environment.

The State through Advocate General Dr Birendra Saraf submitted before a division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne, that it has made mandatory for all idols up to the height of 5 feet to be immersed in artificial ponds/water tanks.

The AG pointed out that there are over 7,000 idols, which are above 5 feet and will be immersed in natural water bodies. He further informed the judges that around 1.96 lakh idols are up to 5 feet and such idols will mandatorily be immersed in artificial tanks.

The judges, however, seemed unconvinced with the State's policy expressing that immersion of over 7,000 idols into natural water bodies would be an "environmental hazard" and therefore, asked the State to consider immersion of idols of at least 7 feet to 8 feet in artificial tanks.

Taking note of the State's policy, CJ Aradhe said, "7,000 is a huge number Mr AG. Such a huge number of idols going in natural water bodies can cause environmental hazard. Why can't you immerse say idols till 10 feet in your artificial tanks?"

To this, the AG responded that it would be difficult to immerse 10 feet idols in artificial tanks as immersion of a single such idol will occupy the entire tank leaving no space for any other idols.

"The PoP idols are not made of soluble material so they will not dissolve immediately in the water bodies. Thus, we have mandated that the civic bodies will have to get them removed the very next morning," the AG pressed.

Upon a query from the judges, AG Saraf informed that there are around 3,869 idols which are between 5 feet and 10 feet while there are over 3,900 idols which are above 10 feet.

Noting these numbers, the bench asked the State consider if it could permit even idols till the height of 7 feet or 8 feet in artificial tanks.

"See Mr AG, our only concern is to ensure that the impact on the environment is less. Thus, we think you can consider immersion of idols up to 8 feet in artificial tanks. Clarify your stand on this point by tomorrow, we will pass an order accordingly," CJ Aradhe remarked.

The bench therefore, adjourned the hearing till Thursday, with a clear directive for the State to clarify it's stand on whether it will permit idols up to 7 feet or 8 feet in artificial tanks.

The bench made it clear that it will be passing interim orders for this years Ganeshotsav celebrations and will keep the present petitions pending for deciding the matter finally.