The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has informed the Bombay High Court of its initiative to distribute 611 tonnes of white clay (shaadu) free of cost to local idol makers. This measure aims to encourage the production of eco-friendly Ganpati idols, thereby reducing the environmental impact traditionally caused by Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols during immersion.
The affidavit, submitted in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Thane resident Rohit Joshi and nine small-scale clay idol craftsmen, calls for strict enforcement of the 2020 Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines. These guidelines impose a ban on the use of Plaster of Paris for religious idols intended for water immersion. The PIL, represented by advocate Ronita Bhattacharya, criticises the authorities’ enforcement actions as mere tokenism that fails to effectively uphold the regulations.
In defence of its phased approach, the BMC cited the complexities involved in managing a festival as vast as Ganesh Chaturthi, with its large-scale public celebrations and reliance on sizeable idols that serve as a livelihood for many artisans. The civic body has assured the court that it is implementing the CPCB guidelines gradually, considering the socio-economic implications and the scale of the festival in Mumbai. To this end, the BMC has issued detailed directives to idol makers, Ganesh mandals, and its own officials, urging compliance with the CPCB norms for both the creation and immersion of eco-friendly idols. An undertaking is being obtained from these stakeholders to adhere to the guidelines, and public appeals have been made to residents within BMC limits to immerse household Ganpati idols in designated artificial lakes.
Further reinforcing its commitment, the BMC has allocated Rs 20 lakh per administrative zone for procuring white clay. It has also expanded the number of artificial ponds in Mumbai from 191 in 2023 to 204 in 2024. Additionally, the BMC launched the “Eco Bappa App,” which provides real-time information on the locations of these artificial ponds, ensuring public access to environmentally responsible immersion sites. To further promote eco-friendly practices, the BMC is facilitating the distribution of eco-friendly idols through various online and social media platforms, such as Zepto, Blinkit, Swiggy, Big Basket, Instagram, and local cooperative stores. This strategy leverages new technology to enhance the visibility and accessibility of eco-friendly idols. The Bombay High Court is scheduled to hear the PIL on Friday, August 30, before a bench comprising Chief Justice D. K. Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar.
