Maharashtra to Back PM's Clay Idol Appeal, Oppose Immediate PoP Ban
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The Maharashtra government is set to tell the Bombay High Court that it will promote clay Ganesh idols as per PM Modi's appeal, but will oppose an immediate ban on Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols for this year's festival. This comes ahead of a hearing on a PIL seeking strict implementation of CPCB guidelines against PoP idols.
Background
Environmental groups have filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court seeking a ban on PoP idols, citing pollution of water bodies. The CPCB issued guidelines in May 2020 discouraging PoP idols. The state government, led by CM Devendra Fadnavis, finalized its stand in a meeting on Friday.
Key facts
The Maharashtra government will support PM Modi's appeal for clay Ganesh idols.
It will oppose an immediate ban on PoP idols for the 2026 Ganesh festival.
The festival is scheduled from September 14-25, 2026.
The state will argue that CPCB guidelines are advisory, not mandatory.
Artisans face difficulties in making non-PoP idols, and PoP idols for this year are already manufactured.
The state will inform the court of its progress in promoting eco-friendly Ganesh festivals over the past four years.
The stand was finalized at a meeting chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis.
The PIL seeks strict implementation of CPCB's May 2020 guidelines.
Prelims pointers
- Bombay High Court
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- Plaster of Paris (PoP)
- Ganeshotsav
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
- Maharashtra Government
- PM Narendra Modi
- Devendra Fadnavis
Mains angles
- Discuss the environmental concerns of PoP idols and the need for eco-friendly alternatives.
- Critically examine the role of judiciary in environmental protection and the balance between regulation and livelihood concerns.
- Analyze the effectiveness of government initiatives in promoting eco-friendly festivals.