Mumbai: Environmental activists have sharply criticized the Maharashtra government for diluting the ban on Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols, accusing it of appeasing Hindu voters ahead of upcoming local body elections. The state’s move comes after the Bombay High Court allowed PoP idols above six feet to be immersed in natural water bodies, following clarification from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that its guidelines are advisory, not mandatory.
Activists have called the CPCB “spineless” and questioned why its guidelines are strictly enforced in Goa and Karnataka but treated as optional in Maharashtra. Rohit Joshi, an environmentalist and petitioner in the case, expressed concern over the lack of surveillance and scientific disposal of PoP remains, especially in natural and flowing water bodies.
NGO Vanashakti’s director, Stalin D, slammed both the government and CPCB, saying political interests are being prioritized over environmental protection.
Despite a tender issued by BMC’s environment department to hire consultants for eco-friendly immersion practices, no bids were received. As a result, the BMC’s solid waste management department will continue traditional post-immersion cleanup operations.
Activists also flagged a lack of clarity on how PoP materials will be scientifically disposed of and raised doubts about the effectiveness of red-marking idols and the feasibility of checking idol height during public visarjan rushes.
