Mumbai: The state govt on Friday told Bombay high court that immersion of plaster of paris (PoP) idols in natural water bodies like rivers, lakes and seas can be stopped in a phased manner.“It cannot happen overnight or by a knee-jerk reaction. It has to be done consensually and not by law,” advocate general Milind Sathe told Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata.The HC was hearing a PIL to enforce Central Pollution Control Board’s May 2020 revised guidelines that banned PoP idols. Last year, after CPCB clarified its guidelines were advisory, HC as per the state’s Aug 1, 2025 guidelines allowed above 6ft idols to be immersed in natural water bodies.Sathe said, “Allow us this year.” The judges referred to a suggestion by senior advocate S M Gorwadkar, for PoP artisans’ body from Thane, that religious ritual of immersion may be performed symbolically by touching the idol’s feet to the water and thereafter the local authority transport it to a facility for disposal, preservation, storage or recycling. “It will resolve everything,” said Justice Gadkari.But, Sathe said, “Physically it is not possible to implement. This is a reality of life. It has been going on for more than 100 years.” He said even if PoP is replaced with clay, which is not easily available, “it will be adverse to the sub-soil and have a huge impact on the environment.” He said as per 2025 data, 2,500 metric tonne clay residue was collected in Mumbai.Justice Khata asked, “Is there a solution the state can adopt in the larger interest of future generations?” Sathe informed that in Mumbai, there was an increase in clay idols and less than 6ft PoP idols. Totally, 1,11,641 were immersed in artificial tanks. He said 4,149 idols above 6 ft in were immersed in natural water bodies compared to 7,863 in 2024. Sathe said this indicates “success” of the state’s guidelines. “See the result in one year! See how many idols are not going into the natural water bodies! Is it not a step in the right direction?” Sathe asked. He said results have to be seen for “another 2-3 years.” The hearing will continue on Monday.
