Ganesh Chaturthi: Bombay High Court Nod To State's Interim Policy For Idol Immersion In Artificial Ponds

"In the said policy the manner in which the idols are to be immersed preferably in artificial water bodies rather than rivers, lakes and ponds has been enumerated. The role and responsibilities of the local and urban authorities have been stipulated therein", the court recorded.

A division bench of Justices Atul Chandurkar and Urmila Joshi Phalke had taken suo moto cognizance of environmental concerns from the use of PoP for making idols during Ganesh festival and Navratri.

Senior Advocate S.V. Manohar for the state submitted the Policy for Environmentally Safe Making and Immersion of Idols/Tazia and its Enforcement before the court. This policy is to operate this year, until a more comprehensive policy is framed for 2023.

"...it is expected that the local bodies, urban authorities and district authorities would take all necessary steps at their level to ensure that the policy as framed achieves the desired results as intended, this year", the court stated and directed the state to publicize the policy adequately to create greater awareness.

State's Environment and Climate Change Ministry had earlier constituted a five-member Committee after the court directed the state government to formulate a suitable policy for regulation of PoP usage in making idols meant for visarjan and to prevent use of oil-paints for colouring and decorating any kind of idols.

Mr. Manohar further informed the court that a Technical Committee of six members including representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board and other experts has been constituted to frame a policy that would operate from 2023. The state would invite suggestions from Amicus Curiae Mr. S.P. Bhandarkar and other interested persons and those suggestions would be considered by the Committee.

The court accepted this approach and observed that parties interested are free to submit their suggestions.

Case no. – SMPIL/3/2021

Case title – Court on its own Motion v. Union of India and others

Coram - Justice Atul Chandurkar and Justice Urmila Joshi Phalke