The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued guidelines to idol makers in Mumbai, mandating the use of eco-friendly Ganesh idols for this year’s Ganeshotsava, starting August 27. It has also outlined penalties for damaging city roads during the festival.
A government resolution strictly prohibits Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols and their immersion in waterbodies, in line with the Bombay High Court’s interim order dated January 30, 2025, in PIL 96 of 2024.
Compliance with this order is mandatory, and idol makers must display boards confirming that all idols in their workshops are eco-friendly. To promote an eco-friendly festival, the BMC will provide free mandap permission to idol makers.
Additionally, road safety remains a priority, with penalties of Rs 2,000 per pothole for those idol makers or Sarvajanik Mandals found digging roads to erect pandals. The civic body also emphasized maintaining an ideal idol height to ensure stability during installation and smooth immersion.
Idol Makers Protest Against PoP Ban, Plan Morcha During Budget Session
However, idol makers across Maharashtra strongly oppose the ban and plan a protest march to the state secretariat during the budget session starting March 3.
In a meeting held in Pen on Friday, representatives from 22 district idol maker associations, along with 2,500 to 3,000 artisans, raised concerns over the lack of viable alternatives. They urged the expert committee to submit its report and propose a practical solution.
“Banning PoP idols is a matter of life and death for idol makers. The guidelines set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have been imposed on us without any consultation, forcing us to protest,” said Abhay Mhatre, President of the Maharashtra State Idol Makers Association, Pen, while speaking to Lokmat News Network.
