PM Modi Clay Idol Appeal Pressures Maharashtra Government Ahead of High Court Hearing
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to use clay Ganesh idols has intensified pressure on the Maharashtra government to strictly enforce the ban on Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols, ahead of a crucial Bombay High Court hearing in Mumbai scheduled for July 15.
During his "Mann Ki Baat" broadcast on June 28, Prime Minister Modi urged citizens and artisans to prioritize clay idols crafted by local potters, noting that clay dissolves easily and protects water bodies. This appeal has cast uncertainty over the state government's legal stance on the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) 2020 guidelines, which prohibit the manufacture and immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies.
Earlier this month, the Maharashtra government sought permission from the Bombay High Court to continue last year's arrangement. Under that temporary setup, PoP Ganesh idols over six feet tall were allowed to be immersed in natural water bodies, while smaller idols under six feet were restricted to artificial ponds.
The High Court is currently hearing a public interest litigation filed by environmentalist Rohit Joshi, who is seeking strict implementation of the CPCB guidelines. At the same time, PoP idol makers have filed petitions challenging the guidelines, arguing that a complete ban violates their fundamental right to livelihood.
Following the Prime Minister's address, environmentalists and festival organizers are waiting to see if the state government will alter its position when it files its affidavit for the July 15 hearing.
Rohit Joshi noted that the last High Court hearing took place after the Prime Minister's broadcast. He expressed hope that the state government would take the environmental preservation appeal seriously and implement the PoP ban, suggesting that Maharashtra should take advance steps to encourage artisans to produce clay idols, similar to initiatives in Goa.
Meanwhile, Naresh Dahibavkar, head of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti, questioned why the state government consistently seeks temporary court stays right before the festival instead of planning firm measures throughout the year. Dahibavkar noted that many artisans have already manufactured PoP idols for this season and pointed out that tall clay idols struggle to remain stable for the 10-day festival. However, he acknowledged that the government might change its favorable stance toward PoP idols following the Prime Minister's public appeal.
