Lakes Not Meant For Your Polluting, It Is For Generations: Telangana High Court To Party Challenging Ban On POP Idol Immersion

The Telangana High Court today criticised the Telangana Ganesh Murti Kalakar Welfare Association which has challenged the guidelines that prohibit POP idols. The Division Bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice N.V Shravan Kumar orally remarked, “....This is lake is not for you, it is for generations, not to pollute with Plaster of Paris..."

While the Court was on the issue of immersion in lakes, Petitioner sought time on the ground that a copy of the counter was served on them only three days ago.

"So you are not concerned with immersion? Then why are you bothered?...you don’t say anything, we are granting you time…. We don’t need your permission for protection of the environment,” Court added.

It also came down heavily on the State authorities for not taking sufficient measures to prevent immersion in the Hussain Sagar Lake despite making an undertaking before the Supreme Court.

"It is obvious that the undertaking furnished on behalf of the State Government before the Hon’ble Supreme Court binds the State Government. The immersion of Ganesh Idols is scheduled to take place on 28.09.2023. Therefore, it is directed that the State Government shall ensure that no Idols made by Plaster of Paris are immersed in either Hussain Sagar Lake or any of the water bodies in the city of Hyderabad. The Commissioner of Police is directed to ensure that the immersion of the Idols made of Plaster of Paris takes place in baby ponds created by GHMC only."

The bench had previously heard the matter on the 19th of September and had directed the State to follow guidelines that were upheld by the Supreme Court.

However, Chief Justice Alok Aradhe during the proceedings noted "Despite the ban by this court, you are permitting immersion of idols in Hussain Sagar Lake. This cannot be tolerated."

"I have seen two cranes there (on the banks of the lake). What are cranes doing there? You are not cleaning the garbage. Obviously, I think so, I haven't seen, but probably cranes have been set in place so huge Ganesh Idols can be immersed." Chief Justice Aradhe criticized.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has set up 72 'baby ponds' around the city, and it was made clear that immersion is permitted only in these designated ponds.

Senior Counsel and Government Pleader Harender Pershad has assured the Court "that the direction issued by this Court shall be communicated to the authorities and he shall emphasize on the authorities the need to follow the directions contained in the order meticulously."

The Court has asked Senior Counsel Pershad to communicate the order to the authorities immediately and file a compliance report on or before the next date of hearing.

Counsel for petitioner: M.V Durga Prasad.

Counsel for Respondents: Senior Counsel Harender Pershad, V.Narasimha Goud, K.Ravinder Reddy

Telangana Ganesh MurtiKalakar Welfare Association Vs. Union Of India.

W.P.No.19639 OF 2022

25-09-23

Click Here To Read/Download Order