Devendra Fadnavis Calls for Long-Term, Eco-Friendly Policy on POP Ganesh Idol Immersions

Mumbai : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to draft a long-term, environmentally sustainable policy for the immersion of large Ganesh idols made from Plaster of Paris (POP), while respecting cultural traditions and rituals.

Chairing a high-level meeting at Sahyadri Guest House on celebrating festivals in an eco-friendly manner, CM Fadnavis emphasized the need for a policy that integrates environmental safeguards with traditional practices. The meeting was attended by Cultural Affairs Minister and Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Advocate General Virendra Saraf, Chief Minister’s Secretary Dr. Shrikar Pardeshi, Principal Secretary of Environment Department Praveen Darade, BMC Additional Commissioner Amit Saini, Principal Secretary and Legal Advisor Suvarna Kevale, and Pollution Control Board Secretary Ravindra Andhale, among others.

The Chief Minister noted that the courts have issued guidelines regarding the immersion of POP Ganesh idols. In response, the state government had commissioned a report from the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission. Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chairman of the Commission, submitted the report, which includes several key recommendations. One of them is the need to study the feasibility of immersing large idols in deep sea waters. CM Fadnavis instructed that the findings be studied in depth and presented before the court.

He also stressed the importance of post-immersion beach clean-up measures and directed that idols be made using eco-friendly materials and natural colors.

Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar reiterated that public Ganeshotsav celebrations should continue in accordance with tradition. However, eco-friendly methods must be adopted for immersing large idols, and smaller idols should be immersed in artificial ponds. He emphasized the need to raise awareness about using clay and eco-friendly materials for idol-making.

Dr. Anil Kakodkar, addressing the gathering, said that idol-making practices must focus on minimizing water pollution. He noted that chemical paints significantly increase pollution levels and recommended a shift to natural colors and materials. He called for a public awareness campaign to promote the use of eco-friendly idols in order to protect water bodies.