The Bombay High Court, in an effort to tackle water pollution during Ganpati visarjan, on Friday directed the Maharashtra government to impose strict conditions on Ganeshotsav organisers to discourage the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. The court emphasized the need for the state to ensure compliance with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines.

Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, while delivering the order, instructed the state government to mandate all civic bodies to enforce the CPCB guidelines. Organisers of Ganeshotsav must adhere to these rules, particularly avoiding PoP idols to prevent environmental harm.

The court acknowledged that permissions for Ganeshotsav celebrations had already been granted to many mandals but insisted that authorities inform these groups to steer clear of using PoP idols. The Chief Justice added that the primary issue of banning PoP idols will be addressed at a later stage.

The court has set a deadline of October 31 for all parties involved to submit their responses to the directives.

Earlier, the High Court expressed frustration at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for failing to curb the use of PoP idols despite the CPCB's guidelines, which have been in place since 2020. The court indicated it may consider banning the use of PoP idols for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations across Maharashtra if the issue remains unresolved.