Eco-friendly Ganesh idols: As the Ganesh festival draws closer, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has taken a firm stance against the sale of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. With Rs4.2 lakh in fines imposed on 42 violators, this crackdown aims to safeguard the environment by preventing the immersion of non-biodegradable idols in water bodies. This proactive step is aligned with the judiciary’s environmental directives and follows a series of legal actions to combat pollution during major festivals.
The Need for Action
The sale and use of PoP idols have long been a concern due to their adverse impact on water bodies. When these idols are immersed in lakes and rivers, they don’t dissolve easily and release harmful chemicals. This creates significant environmental challenges, including water contamination and harm to aquatic life. To curb this, the NMC has launched a stringent campaign just two days before the festival, ensuring that the guidelines from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) are strictly followed.
Rs4.2 Lakh in Fines Imposed
In a major move, the NMC fined 42 sellers of PoP idols, imposing penalties amounting to Rs4.2 lakh. The fines are a part of the city’s broader efforts to ensure compliance with environmental regulations ahead of the Ganesh festival. These fines serve as a warning to those who continue to sell idols made of harmful materials despite repeated warnings and legal mandates.
Why Is PoP Harmful?
Plaster of Paris is a non-biodegradable material. When immersed in water, it doesn’t break down naturally, unlike clay or eco-friendly materials. This leads to the accumulation of toxic substances in water bodies, which harms the ecosystem. PoP idols, painted with hazardous chemicals, further aggravate the issue by introducing dangerous elements like mercury and lead into the water, posing threats to both aquatic life and humans.
The Judiciary’s Role
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has played a critical role in addressing this issue. Through a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 3/2021), the court has been actively monitoring the environmental damage caused by PoP idol immersion. The bench, led by Justices Nitin Sambre and Abhay Mantri, has directed local authorities to take robust measures to curb the use of such idols.
Shreerang Bhandarkar as Amicus Curiae
Shreerang Bhandarkar, appointed as amicus curiae, has been instrumental in advising the court on the environmental repercussions (Eco-friendly Ganesh idols) of PoP idols. His involvement underscores the seriousness with which the judiciary is handling this matter. With his guidance, the court has been able to enforce stricter regulations, aiming for more eco-friendly celebrations.
NMC’s Affidavit and Extensive Preparations
The NMC, represented by counsel Jemini Kasat, submitted an affidavit to the court outlining their preparations for the upcoming Ganesh festival(Eco-friendly Ganesh idols). These preparations include setting up 419 artificial ponds and deploying 22 mobile immersion units to facilitate eco-friendly idol immersions. These initiatives are designed to offer devotees an alternative to immersing idols in natural water bodies.
Promotion of Eco-Friendly Idol Immersions
To encourage the use of environmentally friendly alternatives, the NMC has rolled out various campaigns promoting the immersion of clay idols in artificial ponds. These eco-friendly practices aim to reduce the pollution caused by PoP idols. The mobile immersion units, in particular, are expected to ease the process for devotees, making it convenient for them to follow the guidelines.
Mandals Must Comply with New Guidelines
The court has also directed the NMC to obtain written assurances from Ganesh and Durga Utsav Mandal organizers. These groups must ensure that they will not use PoP idols in their festivities. This requirement comes in accordance with CPCB guidelines, which strictly prohibit the immersion of non-biodegradable materials in natural water bodies.
Condition No. 15: A Step Forward
The NMC has revised its permissions for idol installations, incorporating a new Condition No. 15. This condition explicitly bans the use of PoP or similar materials and mandates compliance with CPCB and the Maharashtra Government’s Environment and Climate Change Department’s directives. This move signifies a major step forward in aligning with environmental protection regulations.
Penalties for Violators
During the court’s previous hearing, it was made clear that any violation of CPCB guidelines would result in strict prosecution under the Pollution Control Act, 1974. The court emphasized the importance of adhering to these rules to prevent further damage to the environment. Violators risk not only hefty fines but also legal action, making compliance non-negotiable.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with the guidelines could lead to irreversible damage to water bodies. The accumulation of PoP in lakes and rivers is already causing severe environmental issues, including reduced oxygen levels in water, which threatens aquatic life. If PoP use continues unchecked, these effects could become catastrophic over time.
Court’s Future Hearings
The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for Friday, where the court will review the progress made by the NMC and other stakeholders. It remains to be seen how effective these measures will be during the festival, but the judiciary’s proactive stance suggests that non-compliance will be met with severe repercussions.
Public Support for Eco-Friendly Celebrations
The push for eco-friendly Ganesh and Durga Utsav celebrations has gained significant public support in recent years. Many devotees are now opting for clay idols and natural dyes, showing a growing awareness of environmental issues. This shift in public sentiment is critical in the long-term success of reducing PoP idol usage.
The Role of Artificial Ponds
Artificial ponds provide a safe and controlled environment for idol immersion, reducing the strain on natural water bodies. These ponds are specifically designed to handle large volumes of idol immersions, making them a sustainable solution for future festivals.
The NMC’s crackdown on PoP idols is a decisive step toward protecting Nagpur’s water bodies and promoting eco-friendly festivities. By imposing fines and implementing strict regulations, the city is setting a strong example for others to follow. With continued efforts from the judiciary, local authorities, and the public, we can ensure that our festivals are celebrated without compromising the environment.
- Why are PoP idols banned?
PoP idols are harmful to the environment as they don’t dissolve in water and release toxic chemicals, causing water pollution. - What is the alternative to PoP idols?
Eco-friendly idols made from clay and natural dyes are encouraged as they dissolve easily in water without harming the environment. - How does the NMC enforce these rules?
The NMC imposes fines and conducts inspections to ensure compliance with the CPCB’s guidelines. - What happens if Mandals use PoP idols?
Mandals that use PoP idols face legal action, including fines and possible prosecution under environmental laws. - Can devotees immerse idols in natural water bodies?
No, devotees are encouraged to use artificial ponds or mobile immersion units to prevent water pollution.
