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Tamil Nadu sets 2027 target to stop Ganesh idol immersion in natural water bodies
The state told the National Green Tribunal it will work towards ending idol immersion in natural water bodies, citing concerns over pollution and damage to aquatic life
Tamil Nadu has told the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it plans to stop Ganesh idol immersion in natural water bodies from 2027 over concerns about water pollution and damage to aquatic life.
The assurance, as reported by The New Indian Express, was given during a hearing before the southern bench of the NGT on a petition seeking restrictions on Ganesh idol immersion in water bodies.
The state said it would work towards ending the practice in natural water bodies while following directions and guidelines issued by the Supreme Court, Madras High Court and the NGT. The government is expected to provide more details of the plan in an affidavit before the tribunal.
Chennai beaches to see restrictions first
As an immediate measure, the Tamil Nadu government has assured the NGT that Ganesh idol immersion will not be permitted at Chennai's Foreshore Estate and Neelankarai beaches from next year.
The tribunal had earlier raised concerns about immersion at these coastal locations because of their environmental sensitivity.
The petition before the NGT has highlighted the pollution caused by idols made using materials such as Plaster of Paris (PoP), chemical-based paints and other non-biodegradable materials. Such material can affect water quality and aquatic life after immersion.
The petitioner has also suggested creating temporary artificial ponds where devotees can immerse idols without affecting natural water bodies.
The proposed restrictions, however, come with logistical challenges.
A report submitted by the Greater Chennai Corporation said shifting large numbers of idols and processions to new locations could create law-and-order, traffic and crowd-management problems.
The corporation has proposed moving around 450 idols from Palavakkam beach to Kovalam and around 250 idols from Pattinapakkam to Ennore.
Officials are also looking at alternative ponds and lakes that could be used for the ritual while reducing the environmental impact.
NGT asks Tamil Nadu govt to prepare roadmap
The NGT has asked the Tamil Nadu government to set out its proposed measures in an affidavit. The tribunal's approach gives the state time to work out alternative arrangements before the proposed 2027 deadline.
The government will have to plan facilities such as artificial immersion ponds and work out arrangements for managing large festival processions while ensuring that the restrictions are implemented.
For this year's celebrations, authorities are already dealing with restrictions at some Chennai beaches and searching for alternative immersion points.