As the preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations have begun in Maharashtra, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mumbai's Aarey Colony area has informed the Bombay High Court that the immersion of idols in Aarey Colony lakes will not be allowed this year.

The CEO of Aarey Colony area, on Tuesday, September 12, informed a division bench of the High Court that no permission shall be granted for the immersion of Ganesh idols in the lakes of Aarey Colony area, located in Goregaon.

The restrictions on idol immersion in Aarey Colony lakes will be imposed as per the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board on May 12, 2020, the CEO said.

This move comes just days after the Bombay HC criticised Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for seeking permission from the Aarey Colony CEO for the immersion of idols in lakes, according to an India Today report.

A division of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor directed the civic body to make arrangements for safe idol immersion throughout the city by adhering to the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) with regard to Eco-sensitive Zones.

The division bench of the High Court was hearing a petition filed by an NGO Vanashakti that challenged the promises made by BMC and local MLAs to ensure arrangements for safe idol immersions in the three Aarey Colony lakes.

Advocates representing NGO Vanashakti submitted before the court that the CPCB guidelines mention that the BMC is responsible for setting up artificial ponds or tanks in appropriate places for the immersion of idols.

According to the India Today report, on BMC's behalf, Advocate Milind Sathe said, “In 2008, we had 20 artificial ponds, but now we have more than 200. We have been trying to increase the number year by year.”

However, the court considered these numbers to be way less than the expectations.

The HC also raised concerns over the immersion of idols made of Plaster of Paris. The court observed that it’s a herculean task to treat the water where such idols are immersed.

The division bench directed BMC, the state government, the Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board, the CEO of Aarey area and a senior official of Sanjay Gandhi National Park to file an affidavit on Vanashakti's petition, according to the report.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)