(by Sapna Desai Mumbai Samachar Desk)
Mumbai: With Ganeshotsav drawing near, Mumbai’s sarvajanik Ganesh mandals had been uncertain over the immersion of Plaster of Paris (POP) idols. However, the state government has clarified that until the Bombay High Court delivers its final verdict, the same rules that applied last year for immersion will continue to apply this year as well. Accordingly, this year too, POP idols up to six feet in height can be immersed in artificial ponds, while POP idols taller than six feet can be immersed in the sea. This has brought the mandals some relief, for now.
State Environment Department Issues Circular
The state government’s Environment Department issued a circular on Tuesday, directing all local self-government bodies in the state including municipal corporations and panchayats to comply with this instruction. The state government has announced that this instruction will remain in effect until the court delivers its final verdict.
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PIL on POP Idol Immersion Pending in High Court
A public interest litigation concerning the immersion of POP idols has been under hearing in the High Court for a long time, and on August 14, the court kept its verdict pending. As a result, a situation had arisen where, until a final decision was reached, POP idols could not be immersed in natural water bodies without the court’s permission. With Ganeshotsav approaching, this had heightened concern among both the Ganesh mandals and the state government.
High Court Clarifies Last Year’s Order Will Continue to Apply
Eventually, the state government requested the court to clarify the rules for this year’s Ganeshotsav. Following this, on August 20, the High Court clarified that its order of July 24, 2025 would continue to apply until a final decision is reached. Accordingly, it permitted POP idols up to six feet in height to be immersed in artificial ponds, while idols taller than that could be immersed in natural water bodies.
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