Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Maharashtra Seeks Gradual Ban on PoP Idol Immersion
The Maharashtra government is asking the Bombay High Court to gradually stop the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols in natural water bodies instead of an immediate ban.
They say it's hard to do it all at once and need more time.
Environmentalists want a strict ban right away to protect the environment.
The court is hearing both sides, including arguments from PoP idol makers who say the ban affects their business.
The government says they've already seen a drop in the number of large PoP idols being immersed, but it will take a few more years to fully implement the ban.
Maharashtra government seeks gradual phase-out of PoP idol immersion.
Environmentalists push for immediate ban based on CPCB guidelines.
PoP manufacturers argue the ban violates their right to business.
Government cites practical difficulties and environmental impact of clay idols.
Court notes a decline in large PoP idol immersions in Mumbai's natural water bodies.
- Who
- Maharashtra government, environmentalists, PoP idol manufacturers
- What
- Debate on the ban of PoP idol immersion in natural water bodies
- When
- Ongoing, with arguments continuing next week
- Where
- Bombay High Court
- Why
- To balance environmental concerns with practical implementation challenges
Environmentalists
Maharashtra Government and PoP Manufacturers
Implementation of Ban
Environmentalists
Environmentalists argue for strict and immediate implementation of the CPCB guidelines to ban PoP idol immersion in natural water bodies.
Maharashtra Government and PoP Manufacturers
The Maharashtra government and PoP manufacturers seek a gradual phase-out, citing practical difficulties and the need for consensus.
Environmental Impact
Environmentalists
Environmentalists emphasize the environmental harm caused by PoP idols and the necessity of adhering to the CPCB guidelines.
Maharashtra Government and PoP Manufacturers
The government points out that clay idols also have environmental consequences, such as residue collection and availability issues.
- CPCB Guidelines
- Prohibit immersion of PoP idols in rivers, lakes, and the sea.
- Advocate General
- Milind Sathe
- Environmentalist
- Rohit Joshi
- Large PoP Idols Immersion
- 4,149 in 2025, down from 7,863 in 2024
- Clay Idol Residue
- 4,500 tonnes collected in 2024