Telangana HC urges government to prevent PoP Ganesh immersion.
As the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festivities approach their grand culmination on September 28, the Telangana High Court has issued a directive to the state government, urging them to prevent the immersion of Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols. The court’s ruling highlights environmental concerns, as PoP idols can cause significant harm to water bodies due to their non-biodegradable nature. The government is now tasked with ensuring compliance with this directive while managing the large-scale immersion processions that are a traditional part of the festival, balancing religious practices with environmental protection.
Telangana High Court Issues Directives to Prevent Plaster of Paris Ganesh Idol Immersion
In a significant ruling, the Telangana High Court has issued stringent directives to the state government, mandating the prevention of Ganesh idol immersions made from Plaster of Paris (PoP) in natural water bodies across the state, with a particular focus on Hyderabad. This directive comes ahead of the upcoming 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which will culminate in a grand immersion procession on September 28. The court’s decision underscores the ongoing environmental concerns associated with the use of PoP idols and places considerable pressure on the authorities to enforce these directives during the festival.
Environmental Concerns and Court Ruling
The High Court’s ruling specifically prohibits the immersion of PoP Ganesh idols in prominent water bodies such as Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar Lake. Instead, the court has emphasized that these idols should only be immersed in artificial ponds created by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). This measure is aimed at mitigating the environmental damage caused by PoP, a material that is non-biodegradable and can severely pollute water bodies, impacting aquatic life and water quality.
The court’s ruling comes as a response to a plea filed by advocate M. Venu Madhav, who accused the authorities of failing to implement the court’s previous directives issued in 2021 on this matter. Madhav’s petition highlighted the state’s negligence in enforcing the ban on PoP idol immersion in natural water bodies, prompting the court to reassert its stance on the issue.
Court’s Criticism of Last-Minute Petition
While the court reiterated the necessity of implementing its earlier judgment, it also expressed its displeasure over the timing of the petition. Sreenivas Rao, criticized Madhav for raising the issue at the last minute, suggesting that his actions were an attempt to “blackmail the court.” The bench emphasized that if an interim order had been issued previously, it remains in effect, and any violations of that order could be addressed through a contempt petition.
The court’s critique extended to the manner in which the petitioner sought to enforce the ban. Madhav had accused the state government of disregarding a previous single judge’s order that prohibited the immersion of PoP idols in Hussain Sagar Lake. He cited statements made by Telangana ministers regarding the deployment of cranes for idol immersion as evidence of the order’s violation. However, the court was unimpressed by the petitioner’s insistence on urgent enforcement, particularly so close to the festival’s culmination.
Government’s Response and Upcoming Hearing
In response to the court’s directives, the state’s Additional Advocate General requested time to file the government’s response to the petition. The hearing on this matter has been postponed to September 9, giving the state government a short window to articulate its position and propose measures to comply with the court’s orders.
The postponement also provides a brief respite for the state administration, which now faces the challenge of balancing the religious and cultural significance of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival with the legal and environmental obligations imposed by the court. The upcoming hearing is likely to further clarify the government’s stance on the issue and the steps it will take to ensure compliance with the court’s directives.
Implications for Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
The High Court’s ruling is set to have a substantial impact on this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, especially in Hyderabad, where the immersion of Ganesh idols in Hussain Sagar Lake is a long-standing tradition. The ruling necessitates a shift in how these celebrations are conducted, with the authorities needing to ensure that the immersion process adheres to the court’s environmental guidelines.
The creation and use of artificial ponds by GHMC will play a crucial role in this year’s festivities. The success of this initiative will depend on effective public communication and cooperation, as well as the logistical capacity of the GHMC to handle the large number of idols expected to be immersed.
In conclusion, the Telangana High Court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing cultural traditions with environmental stewardship. The court’s firm stance on preventing PoP idol immersion in natural water bodies reflects growing awareness and concern for sustainable practices during religious festivities. As the Ganesh Chaturthi festival approaches its grand conclusion, the state government and the public will be closely watched to ensure compliance with these crucial directives, marking a potential shift in how such events are celebrated in the future.