Maharashtra's PoP Idol Policy: A Race Against Time

The Maharashtra government is set to devise a policy on the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols within three weeks, as urged by the Bombay High Court. This follows a legal provision allowing the manufacture and sale of such idols but restricting their immersion in natural water without court approval.

The Maharashtra government announced plans on Monday to establish a policy for the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols within three weeks. This development comes as the Bombay High Court has pressed for urgency due to impending festivals.

Earlier this month, the high court permitted the manufacture and sale of PoP idols. However, the court mandated that their immersion in natural water bodies requires specific permission, highlighting environmental concerns.

The directive stems from petitions filed by Ganesh idol makers who challenged Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines banning PoP idol immersion, citing violations of fundamental rights. The court emphasized the need for a prompt policy in view of upcoming religious festivities starting in August.

(With inputs from agencies.)