Mumbai, July 25, 2025 — In a decisive move to promote eco-friendly festivities, the Bombay High Court has directed that all Ganesh idols up to 6 feet in height, including those made from Plaster of Paris (PoP), must be immersed in artificial tanks starting from Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, which begins on August 27.
The order, passed by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne, will remain in force until March 2026, encompassing all festivals that involve idol immersions.
🎯 Key Highlights:
- PoP and clay idols up to 6 ft are covered under the directive
- Immersions in rivers, lakes, or natural water bodies are restricted for such idols
- Artificial tanks to be used mandatorily
- Municipal corporations and local bodies are to ensure adequate infrastructure
💡 Committee for Eco-Solutions
The High Court also instructed the Maharashtra Government to form an expert committee tasked with identifying eco-friendly alternatives and recycling solutions for Plaster of Paris idols — which pose serious environmental hazards when immersed in natural water bodies.
🛠️ Implementation Responsibility
The onus is now on the state government and local authorities to strictly implement the policy and create sufficient artificial immersion setups across cities, towns, and villages.
“The court’s objective is to preserve aquatic ecosystems and promote sustainable celebrations without hurting cultural sentiments,” a source close to the matter noted.
With the Ganesh Festival approaching, devotees and idol-makers alike will need to adapt quickly to this new, environmentally conscious regulation.
📖 For guidelines on eco-friendly Ganesh celebrations, idol making workshops, and where to find artificial tanks in your area, visit Allycaral.com.
