Mumbai: The state govt has told the Bombay High Court that immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols in natural water bodies, such as rivers, lakes and seas, should be allowed to be continued for all the ensuing festivals this year.Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata were hearing a PIL filed by two activists and nine clay idol makers for implementation of Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) May 2020 revised guidelines banning manufacture, sale and immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies.Taking into consideration the state’s Aug 1, 2025 guidelines on immersion, HC on July 24, 2025, had allowed idols above 6 feet to be immersed in natural water bodies. It directed idols below 6ft to be immersed in artificial water tanks. HC had made it clear that its interim directions and state’s guidelines shall apply to all festivals till March 2026.Asked for the state’s stand, advocate general Milind Sathe said the state intends to continue the Aug 2025 guidelines on allowing immersion of idols up to 6ft in artificial tanks this year.Intervention petitions were filed by PoP idol makers challenging the ban as it violates their right to carry on business. Advocate Uday Warunjikar, representing an association of idol makers, said there is no practical alternative for immersing idols above 6ft and sought one or two years more for a gradual transition to clay idols. He said across Maharashtra, there was a rise in immersion in artificial ponds.The judges said idol makers were already given a year’s notice. They said if more time is given, natural water bodies will suffer immense damage. Senior advocate Mihir Desai, for the petitioners, said despite judicial directions since 2013, implementation has been inadequate. He said clay idols were used for decades before PoP became popular because it was cheaper.The state’s affidavit said the number of idols taller than 6ft had reduced. It is conducting a pilot project to collect PoP after immersion, process it and recycle the material. It has also set up an expert committee on PoP recycling and launched pilot recycling projects at six locations. The hearing will continue on Friday.
