Maharashtra Govt to Hold Stakeholder Meet on PM Modi's Appeal for Eco-Friendly Clay Ganesh Idols
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court that a stakeholder meeting will be held on July 31 to discuss PM Modi's appeal for eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols. This follows a legal challenge by PoP idol manufacturers against CPCB guidelines.
Background
The Bombay High Court is hearing a case concerning pollution caused by Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols immersed during Ganesh festival. The CPCB issued revised guidelines in 2020, which are being challenged by PoP manufacturers.
Key facts
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis will hold a stakeholder meeting on July 31, 2026.
The meeting is in response to PM Modi's appeal during his Mann Ki Baat address for eco-friendly clay idols.
The Bombay High Court bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata is hearing the case.
Advocate General Milind Sathe informed the court about the meeting.
PoP idol manufacturers argued that CPCB's 2020 revised guidelines lack statutory backing.
Manufacturers claimed sadu clay also causes pollution and artificial colours are more harmful than PoP.
The court stressed the issue is pollution from PoP idols, not the festival itself.
The court sought expert scientific evidence on pollution from different materials.
Justice Khata suggested retaining large decorative idols for recycling and immersing smaller clay idols.
The court urged PoP manufacturers to provide solutions instead of opposing suggestions.
Prelims pointers
- CPCB: Central Pollution Control Board, statutory body under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- PoP: Plaster of Paris, used in idol making, non-biodegradable and causes water pollution.
- Mann Ki Baat: Monthly radio program by PM Modi.
- Bombay High Court: High Court for Maharashtra and Goa, bench at Mumbai.
- Ganesh festival: Major Hindu festival in Maharashtra, involves idol immersion in water bodies.
Mains angles
- GS3 Environment: Pollution from idol immersion, role of CPCB guidelines, judicial interventions.
- GS2 Polity: Centre-state coordination on environmental issues, role of judiciary in policy implementation.
- GS3 Economy: Impact on small-scale PoP idol manufacturers, transition to eco-friendly alternatives.