Mumbai: State govt will urge Bombay high court to give more time to ban Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP).
In a show of support to PoP idol-makers, CM Devendra Fadnavis said the govt has appointed a committee headed by science and technology commission chief Anil Kakodkar to recommend ways to eliminate pollution caused by PoP. “Kakodar has agreed to carry out research and find a solution…,” he said. “We do not want pollution. If we can find a solution to reduce pollution or eliminate pollution on account of PoP, we shall ask for time until the Kakodkar Committee finds a solution.”
On Wednesday, Opposition leader in the legislative council Ambadas Danve raised the issue of the state environment department ban on PoP idols, saying it will impact the livelihood of 13,000 idol-makers and their families. He urged govt to file a review petition in court and demanded the discussion be allowed in the House. “We are aware of the…pollution on account of various industries and the pollution levels in Mumbai, yet…it is made out that because of PoP idols, the environment will be destroyed. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the immersion of idols has become a contentious issue with conflicting stances from the environment and culture ministers…,” said Danve.
Fadnavis said there was no difference in the sentiment of the opposition and govt on the issue. “We celebrate Ganeshotsav in a traditional manner….there must be no restriction on it,” he said. The CM said for the last 4-5 years, they took a stand against the ban. “Last year, HC said it was the last opportunity and then granted permission. Yet, once again we placed our stand before HC and Supreme Court and they banned PoP idols. This ban has not been imposed by govt, but by the Central Pollution Control Board,” he said.