Mumbai: The hopes of Ganeshotsav mandals and PoP moortikars were raised of having a resolution for the PoP conundrum in sight as govt submitted its immersion policy in an affidavit in HC on Wednesday stating that large idols of sarvajanik Ganeshotsav mandals can be immersed in the traditional manner in the sea with all necessary environmental precautions in place. Govt said the sanctity of the 125-year-old festival, including idol immersion, will be preserved. The 10-day festival begins on Aug 27. The Lalbaug-Parel belt and Khetwadi install large idols over 20ft; Mumbaicha Maharaja of Khetwadi 11th Lane rises up to 38ft, the tallest in Maharashtra. It is impossible to immerse whole in any artificial tank. Mandal president Hemant Dixit said, “I have seen authorities discussing a PoP ban since 2007. But I was confident our govt would not allow Maharashtra’s most important festival to be jeopardised. How will you carve thousands of sarvajanik idols from clay? And how many artificial tanks will you build for immersion? I am happy that after declaring Ganeshotsav as the state festival, govt is defending our concerns before HC.” Swapnil Parab, secretary of Ganesh Gully mandal in Lalbaug, whose idol stands 22ft tall, said, “Since the ban on PoP, our preparation had slowed down. Now that the hurdles are being removed, we are excited to celebrate.” Vikas Sawant, mandal treasurer of the 21ft Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani, said, “I am glad all worries of mandals are easing. Artisans were also anxious about immersion. Now we can move forward with preparations.” Naresh Dahibawkar, president of Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti, whose suggestions helped govt determine its stance, said, “I am happy that our fears were heeded and a solution is near. Ganpati visarjan is also celebrated in a grand manner with tall idols being led to Girgaum Chowpatty and Dadar. The court’s approval will pave the way for this tradition to continue.”Moortikars are anxious for visarjan nod to be finalised since business hinges on it. “We are keenly awaiting the decision,” said moortikar Viful Jadhav of Ganesh Arts, Goregaon. PoP moortikar Ravindra Vispute echoed his views. “Due to the initial ban, our workshop opened late and orders were few,” he said.
