The Bombay High Court has imposed a ban on the making, sale, and immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols ahead of the Maghi Ganpati festival, which is set to be celebrated on February 1st, 2025.
The court issued an interim order on Thursday, citing concerns over environmental damage caused by PoP idols. This decision comes just days before the festival, which marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha.
Advocate Ronita Bhattacharya, representing the petitioners who oppose PoP idols, requested an urgent hearing, emphasizing the environmental harm caused by these idols. The petitioners had filed the case last year, calling for stricter enforcement of the guidelines set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Despite concerns made by idol makers about the impact on their livelihood, the High Court has asked for strict compliance with the ban in the lead-up to the event.
