Thu Jan 30 19:56:27 UTC 2025: ## Mumbai High Court Bans Plaster of Paris Idols Ahead of Ganesh Festival
**Mumbai, January 31, 2025** – The Bombay High Court issued an interim order on Thursday prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, citing environmental concerns. The ruling comes ahead of the Maghi Ganesh festival, scheduled for February 1st and 2nd.
The court’s decision follows a petition filed by clay-based idol makers who argued that PoP idols, despite a 2020 Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) ban, remain prevalent in the market. The petitioners highlighted the negative environmental impact of PoP idols on water bodies.
The court directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other civic bodies in Maharashtra to strictly enforce the CPCB guidelines, which encourage the use of eco-friendly materials for idol making. While the BMC claimed to be taking steps to implement the guidelines, the court remained firm in its stance.
An appeal from an association of PoP idol makers to consider the livelihoods of their members was rejected by the court. The judges emphasized the need for strict adherence to the CPCB’s ban on PoP idols. The matter will be revisited on March 20th. The court’s order aims to ensure a more environmentally conscious celebration of the upcoming Ganesh festival.
First Piper 