Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Bombay HC Mandates Artificial Immersion of PoP Idols in Maharashtra
The Bombay High Court has made a new rule about how people in Maharashtra should say goodbye to their Ganesh idols.
Starting now, and until March 2026, if the idols are made of a material called PoP (Plaster of Paris) and are shorter than 6 feet, they must be put into special artificial tanks instead of rivers or lakes.
This is because the court wants to protect the environment.
The court also wants the government to make a group of experts to figure out how to reuse the PoP idols.
The government is also working on its own plan for how to handle the idols.
Bombay HC mandates immersion of PoP idols up to 6 feet in artificial tanks across Maharashtra.
The ruling applies to all festivals involving idol immersions until March 2026.
Maharashtra government's policy allows immersion of idols over 5 feet in natural bodies if artificial options are unavailable.
Last year, 85,306 Ganesh idols under 5 feet were immersed in artificial tanks in Mumbai.
The court directed the state to form an expert committee for recycling PoP idols.
- Who
- Bombay High Court and Maharashtra Government
- What
- Bombay HC mandates immersion of PoP idols up to 6 feet in artificial tanks.
- When
- Until March 2026, for Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and Maghi Ganesh festival.
- Where
- Maharashtra
- Why
- To reduce the environmental impact of idol immersion and promote eco-friendly practices.
Environmental Protection
Government Regulations
Idol Immersion
Environmental Protection
Advocates argue to limit immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies to protect the environment.
Government Regulations
Government policy allows immersion of idols over 5 feet in natural water bodies if alternate arrangements are unavailable.
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Ruling
- Mandatory immersion of PoP idols up to 6 feet in artificial water bodies
- Applies To
- Festivals involving idol immersions
- Implementation
- Until March 2026
- Idol Size
- Up to 6 feet