Nagpur, India: Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) collected a fine of Rs 9.20 lakhs from sellers of Ganesh idols made by using banned PoP (Plaster of Paris) and also seized 801 such idols, the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court was informed.

Following the court’s order, the corporation conducted a search operation for PoP Ganesh idols between August 27 and September 7. During the operation, PoP idols were found in 92 shops, resulting in a fine of Rs 10,000 being imposed on each shopkeeper.

The NMC submitted its affidavit to the High Court in a public interest litigation on October 1st. The Central Pollution Control Board issued guidelines on May 12, 2020, aimed at protecting the environment from pollution. 

According to these guidelines, the sale of PoP idols is prohibited. The National Green Tribunal had also issued similar orders in this regard.

Strict enforcement of the ban was found to be lacking, leading to severe environmental damage, and the High Court initiated suo motu public interest litigation in 2021 with Adv Srirang Bhandarkar and Tejal Agre acting as amicus curiae. Advocate Gemini Kasat represented the Municipal Corporation.