Maharashtra Extends PoP Idol Immersion Guidelines

The Maharashtra Environment and Climate Change Department has issued a circular extending the guidelines for the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols in the state. These guidelines, which were originally issued on August 1, 2025, will remain in force until the Bombay High Court delivers its final verdict.

The guidelines were introduced in accordance with the High Court's interim directions, aiming to ensure environmentally friendly celebrations. The state has directed all municipal corporations, municipal councils, and other local bodies to strictly enforce the prescribed norms.

According to the guidelines, PoP idols must carry a clearly visible red circular mark on their rear side. Idol makers and sellers are also required to maintain records of the sale of PoP idols. The guidelines specify immersion rules for PoP idols, including the requirement for household and public idols up to six feet in height to be immersed in artificial ponds.

Public idols taller than six feet may be immersed in natural water bodies only when no other option is available. In such cases, the concerned municipal body must clean the seabed or water body on the very next day and scientifically dispose of the collected idol remains.

The guidelines encourage public mandals to install smaller idols or use symbolic smaller idols for immersion while preserving larger idols for reuse during the following year. Local authorities have also been instructed to undertake treatment of water and silt from artificial immersion ponds.

The circular directs local bodies to undertake extensive public awareness campaigns, install signboards explaining the immersion rules, and make separate arrangements for the collection of nirmalya. The government has stressed strict compliance with the guidelines to facilitate environmentally responsible celebration of festivals across the state.

The extension of these guidelines is a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of festivals in Maharashtra. The state's efforts to promote eco-friendly celebrations are expected to have a positive impact on the environment and public health.

The Bombay High Court's interim directions and the state government's guidelines are part of a larger effort to address the environmental concerns associated with PoP idol immersion. The court's final verdict is expected to provide further clarity on the issue.

In the meantime, the state government's extension of the guidelines ensures that the environmentally friendly norms will continue to be in force. This move is likely to be welcomed by environmentalists and citizens who are concerned about the impact of festivals on the state's water bodies and ecosystem.

The guidelines and the state government's efforts to promote eco-friendly celebrations are an important step towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious festival culture in Maharashtra.

The state's initiative is also expected to inspire other states to adopt similar measures to reduce the environmental impact of festivals. As the festival season approaches, the state government's guidelines and the Bombay High Court's interim directions are likely to play a crucial role in promoting environmentally responsible celebrations across the state.

In conclusion, the extension of the guidelines for PoP idol immersion in Maharashtra is a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of festivals in the state. The state government's efforts to promote eco-friendly celebrations are expected to have a positive impact on the environment and public health, and are likely to inspire other states to adopt similar measures.