Nagpur: The state government has banned the immersion of Lord Ganesh's plaster from Paris (Pop) Idole in natural waters. A new guideline published on August 1st shows stricter standards. According to the new rules, all pop idols have to carry a red circle on their backs and only immerse themselves in artificial ponds.The standards aim to contain water pollution and promote environmentally conscious rituals for a greener Ganeshofsav. “Every pop idol, large or small, must now have a painted red dot with oil paint. This brand helps the citizens and authorities to easily identify the material and ensure compliance with the disposal standards,” said the government.Idol sellers and manufacturers must maintain a detailed sales register and a brochure – which are dispatched by local bodies – provide daust instructions.If no alternative is available for immersion, pop idols must be called up from natural waters the next day. For idols below six feet – typically in houses and small community buildings – the sector is only permitted in artificial ponds.Local self -administration organizations such as municipal companies and councils have been instructed to set up special registration switches for public mandals and to collect detailed information about the type and size of installed idols. You also have to ensure an appropriate artificial pond infrastructure with suitable water treatment plants.Each pond must contain an 8–10 -faster water as necessary, and the water must be treated within a week before it is sent to wastewater treatment plants.Interestingly, the state also promotes reuse of immersion. Large mandals have been asked to install a small idol exclusively for “Visarjan” while getting their big idol for future years. Mandals are also encouraged to use smaller idols as a whole.After immersion, all sludge and material collected from ponds must be kept for at least 15 days and then scientifically processed. The government has instructed local authorities to work with institutions such as the National Chemical Laboratory and the relevant NGOs for the environmentally friendly recycling of pop waste.The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) was instructed to start an aggressive campaign to raise awareness of social media, traditional platforms and local outreach initiatives. Directions for Visarjan spots, street games in schools and massive community trips are part of the plan. These new rules that apply to all festivals by March 2026 are legally binding. The state has made it clear: environmental friendliness is no longer optional-the new standard is.Expert panel for government forms on the draft of environmentally friendly Popgotorgungs guidelinesThe state government has formed an expert committee that recommends methods for reuse, recycling and faster resolution of pop idols in an environmentally friendly way. The move follows an order from the Bombay Supreme Court of July 24, which provides the state to form the committee within one month.In a government resolutions (GR) issued on August 1, the formation of an eight -member committee with experts from leading institutions, including IIT Bombay, ICT Mumbai, Neeri (Nagpur), the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) Pune, and the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission. The MPCB member secretary will act as chairman of the committee.The committee has the task of promoting scientific guidelines for safe disposal, promoting organically degradable alternatives and developing certification standards for environmentally friendly pop products. It is entitled to carry out field studies, consult theme experts and use state resources if necessary. The MPCB will finance and support the committee, which has six months to send its final report to the state government.