Bombay High Court pushed Maharashtra to think about symbolic immersion for big Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesha idols . This came up July 24,2026,during hearing where Justices Ajay Gadkari and Kamal Khata looked at a petition against a 2025 policy. That policy says PoP idols over six feet can go in natural waters, smaller ones in artificial ponds.
Petitioners, idol makers, say the policy doesn't tackle the environmental hit from big PoP idols. Senior advocate Sanjeev Gorwadkar,for Shri Ganesh Murtikar Utkarsha Sastha in Thane,offered alternative: put a smaller idol next to the big one, then immerse the smaller in an artificial pond.
The court told Advocate General Dr. Milind Sathe to take this seriously. Judges said the state should work with stakeholders on these ideas . But Sathe asked for 2-3 years to phase in changes, saying a quick switch could be tough.
Sathe pointed out PoP's been used for over 100 years,though not at today's scale. Switching to clay means needing around 4,500 metric tonnes of natural clay,which could stir unrest if mishandled. Justice Gadkari wasn't buying it, saying law and order is state's job. How can government allow ongoing environmental harm?
Sathe showed data: PoP idols over six feet dropped from 7,863 in 2024 to 4,194 in 2025. He said people are slowly moving to eco-friendly options,so gradual policy should stay.
Justice Khata got the worship importance but worried about natural water damage. Is it the state's job to let these practices continue? Sathe compared it to slow measures for vehicle pollution.
Court also looked at Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for its role in issuing guidelines. Advocate Abhinandan Vagyani,for CPCB, said they followed court orders but lack statutory power,so guidelines are just advisory.
Judges wanted proof Central Government okayed CPCB's guidelines, but Vagyani couldn't show it,asked for more time . Bench worried CPCB's weak position undermines its guidelines,used by other states and courts like Madras and Telangana High Courts and National Green Tribunal.
Court suggested Vagyani rethink CPCB's stand and return with stronger arguments Tuesday,July 28,2026. These talks could change Maharashtra's idol immersion practices lot .
