Bombay High Court Calls for Eco-Friendly Immersion Policy for POP Idols
- ByAdmin --
- 30 Jun 2025 --
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In a significant move toward environmental accountability, the Bombay High Court recently directed the Maharashtra government to frame a comprehensive policy regulating the immersion of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols. The Court’s observation stemmed from the rising concern over the ecological damage caused by non-biodegradable materials during religious festivities, particularly Ganesh Chaturthi.
The judgment is a step forward in balancing religious practices with the constitutional mandate for environmental protection.
The Context
Every year during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Puja, thousands of idols are immersed in rivers, lakes, and the sea. While traditionally made of clay, many modern idols are crafted from POP—an inexpensive but non-biodegradable material that releases harmful chemicals into water bodies.
Despite previous guidelines from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) discouraging POP use, a consistent and enforceable policy at the state level has been lacking.
What the Bombay High Court Ordered
The Court emphasized the need for the Maharashtra government to act swiftly and responsibly:
- Frame a clear policy on POP idol immersion: The policy must outline specific measures to control and regulate the use and immersion of POP idols.
- Ensure eco-sensitive zones are protected: Areas such as lakes, rivers, and coastal zones that are ecologically fragile should be excluded from immersion activities.
- Explore alternative materials: The government has been asked to promote clay and biodegradable options through awareness campaigns and incentives for artisans.
- Balance religious sentiments with environmental concerns: The judgment acknowledged the cultural importance of idol immersion but clarified that constitutional values and public health cannot be compromised.
Key Takeaways
- POP idols are environmentally damaging: Once immersed, POP does not dissolve easily and causes water pollution, affecting aquatic life and local ecology.
- Need for policy coherence: While guidelines exist at the national level, the absence of strict state-level policies leads to inconsistent enforcement.
- Judicial push for sustainable festivals: Courts are increasingly stepping in to ensure environmental sustainability is not treated as secondary during mass celebrations.
- Public participation is key: The ruling indirectly nudges citizens and local authorities to take collective responsibility for greener practices.
Why This Matters
This judgment reaffirms that environmental protection is not separate from cultural practice—it is integral to it. The Constitution of India under Article 48A and Article 51A(g) imposes duties on both the state and citizens to protect and improve the environment. The Court’s directive reinforces this shared responsibility.
As climate concerns intensify and water bodies deteriorate, such judicial interventions serve as a reminder that traditions must evolve in harmony with nature.
In Summary
The Bombay High Court’s order is not a rejection of faith but a redefinition of how faith and environment can coexist. By pushing for a structured, eco-friendly idol immersion policy, the Court has made it clear that sustainable celebration is the way forward. Festivals should reflect not only devotion but also a deep respect for the earth that sustains them.
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