Ganeshotsav 2025: Bombay High Court Permits Immersion of PoP Idols Over 6 Feet in Natural Water Bodies Until March 2026

Mumbai, July 25, 2025 : In a significant relief to devotees and idol-makers ahead of Ganeshotsav 2025, the Bombay High Court has permitted the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols exceeding six feet in height in natural water bodies. The court also directed that PoP idols up to six feet must be mandatorily immersed in artificial tanks. These interim guidelines will remain in force until March 2026 and will apply to all festivals involving idol immersion.

The order was passed by a division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne during the hearing of petitions challenging the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) 2020 guidelines, which prohibit both the manufacture and immersion of PoP idols in natural water bodies.

Recognising the ecological concerns, the bench observed,“The Court has to ensure that the impact of immersion of idols on the environment is reduced to the minimum.”

It further noted that as Ganeshotsav will be celebrated between August 26 and September 6, the permission for idol immersion in natural water bodies stands applicable for the festival this year under the new directions.

The Maharashtra government had earlier issued a policy on July 21 allowing immersion of PoP idols up to five feet in height in natural water bodies. However, the High Court found this insufficient and instructed the government to amend the policy, raising the permissible height to six feet.

Advocate General Birendra Saraf, appearing for the State, assured the court that all local bodies will be instructed to enforce the revised policy strictly. The government also informed the bench that an expert scientific committee will be formed within a month to explore eco-friendly alternatives and recycling methods for PoP.

Senior Advocate Milind Sathe, representing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), submitted detailed data showing a sharp increase in artificial tank immersions. He stated that:

• In 2024, 85,306 idols under five feet were immersed in artificial tanks

• This year, the number is expected to rise to 1.95 lakh idols, due to expanded infrastructure

• Last year, 3,865 PoP idols between 5–10 feet and 3,998 idols above 10 feet were immersed in natural water bodies

The BMC assured the court that it will make adequate arrangements to handle the increase in idol immersions in artificial tanks.

The High Court also directed municipal bodies across Maharashtra to promote smaller idols and encourage the reuse of larger idols to reduce environmental impact. The bench called the government’s revised guidelines a “step in the right direction” but underlined the need for stricter enforcement.

The court has scheduled the next hearing after eight weeks and asked the State to submit an update on the formation of the expert committee and the progress in implementing the new guidelines.