The Bombay High Court (HC) on Wednesday, July 31, sent a notice to the state government regarding the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) guidelines that ban the use of plaster of Paris (PoP) for idols submerged in water.
The bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar made these remarks while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by nine small-scale and clay-based idol makers and three citizens.
The petitioners argued that the actions taken by authorities to enforce the CPCB guidelines are not enough. The CPCB's "Revised Guidelines for Idol Immersion", issued on May 12, 2020, prohibit PoP due to its severe impact on water bodies.
Ronita Bhattacharya, representing the petitioners, claimed the state is delaying the implementation of the PoP ban to appease idol manufacturers.
She claimed that the Supreme Court has also ruled against the use of PoP idols in water bodies. Bhattacharya emphasised that the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act should mandate this ban and include penalties for noncompliance. The act also maintains that there should be a public list of registered non-PoP idol makers to raise public awareness.
She also mentioned that two years ago, the Nagpur bench of the High Court took suo motu cognisance of this issue and issued several directives for the ban's enforcement, but these were not followed. The Nagpur bench made a technical committee to look at the ban's execution and explore ways to mitigate PoP idol pollution.
The petition requests district-level committees to make sure of the CPCB guidelines. It also calls for action against idol makers who continue using PoP. The CPCB instead suggests using eco-friendly idols made from natural clay and biodegradable materials.
Advocate Tushad Kakalia, representing NGO Vanashakti, noted that the high court had previously issued directives to prevent PoP idol immersion in Aarey Milk Colony’s natural lake, an eco-sensitive zone. The NGO has also submitted an appeal to keep the guidelines in place for the upcoming Ganesh celebration.
The PoP is used mainly because it is cheaper and easier to use than clay, offering high profit margins. However, PoP causes significant environmental harm, including water and soil pollution, marine ecosystem damage, and waste generation. Whereas clay idols require specific kinds of clay. They also require more time and skill.
The hearing of both PILs is scheduled for August.
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