Ganesh Idol Makers Move Bombay HC Against CPCB’s Ban on PoP Idols
The upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival is just around the corner, and with it comes the traditional worship of the elephant-headed god. However, this year, the celebrations may be affected by a recent ban imposed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on the use and sale of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. The Bombay High Court has now been approached by a Lord Ganesh idol makers’ association to challenge this ban.
The petitioners, who are the makers of these iconic idols, have cited environmental harm as the reason for their opposition to the ban. According to them, PoP idols have been an integral part of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations for centuries, and a sudden ban without providing an alternative would cause immense hardship to the idol makers and affect the traditional festival.
As reported by the Indian Express, the CPCB had issued guidelines on January 30, banning the use and sale of PoP idols, citing concerns over environmental pollution. The ban has been met with resistance from the idol makers, who claim that it would lead to the loss of their livelihood and the end of a traditional craft.
The Bombay High Court has issued an interim order, banning the use and sale of PoP idols until April 23, when the next hearing is scheduled. However, the idol makers are seeking a permanent stay on the ban, arguing that it would cause irreparable harm to their business and livelihood.
The PoP idol makers’ association has been making these idols for generations, and the craft is an integral part of their family traditions. They claim that the ban would not only affect their livelihood but also lead to the loss of the traditional craft.
The association has also pointed out that PoP is a non-toxic and biodegradable material that can be easily disposed of. They claim that the CPCB’s concerns over environmental pollution are unfounded and that the idols can be safely immersed in water bodies during the festival.
Furthermore, the idol makers have argued that the ban would lead to the influx of low-quality, imported idols made of other materials, which would impact the local economy and harm the environment.
On the other hand, the CPCB has maintained that PoP idols are a major contributor to water pollution, as they release harmful chemicals into the water when immersed. They have also pointed out that the traditional method of immersion, which involves breaking the idols into smaller pieces to facilitate immersion, is not only unhygienic but also leads to the release of harmful chemicals into the water.
The debate over the use of PoP idols has been ongoing for several years, with environmentalists and activists arguing that they pose a significant threat to the environment. However, the idol makers have consistently maintained that the traditional method of immersion is safe and that the idols can be easily disposed of.
The Bombay High Court’s interim order has brought some relief to the idol makers, but the ban is still in place, and the fate of the traditional PoP idols hangs in the balance. The next hearing is scheduled for April 23, when the court will hear arguments from both sides and make a decision on the permanent stay.
As the festival approaches, the idol makers are hoping for a favorable outcome, and the CPCB is determined to ensure that the environment is protected. The court’s decision will have far-reaching implications for the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and the livelihoods of the idol makers.
In conclusion, the ban on PoP idols has sparked a heated debate over the environmental impact of the traditional craft. While the CPCB has valid concerns over pollution, the idol makers have argued that the ban is excessive and would cause irreparable harm to their livelihood. The Bombay High Court’s interim order has brought some relief, but the fate of the traditional PoP idols remains uncertain. Only time will tell if the idol makers will be able to continue their traditional craft or if the CPCB’s ban will change the face of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations forever.
