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Maharashtra

Bombay HC Issues Notice To State On Plea For Enforcing CPCB’s Ban On Plaster Of Paris Idols

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Bombay HC Issues Notice To State On Plea For Enforcing CPCB's Ban On Plaster Of Paris Idols

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday issued notice to the State government on a plea seeking implementation of the revised guidelines by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) which mandates a complete ban on the use of Plaster of Paris (PoP) for religious idols to be immersed in water.

The CPCB had issued “Revised Guidelines for Idol Immersion” on May 12, 2020 mandating the complete ban on use of PoP “due to the extreme and irreparable water pollution caused by the immersion of these idols in natural water bodies”.

A bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar issued the notice while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition, filed by three citizens and nine clay-based and small scale craftsman of idols, contending that the actions undertaken by the Respondent Authorities to enforce the Guidelines are “farcical measures designed only to pay lip-service to the provisions of the Guidelines”.

Petitioners’ advocate Ronita Bhattacharya submitted that despite the CPCB ban in 2020, which was to come into effect in 2021, the state is dilly dallying in its implementation to appease manufacturers of PoP idols. Even the Supreme Court had categorically said that manufacture of PoP idols and its immersion in water cannot be permitted.

“Despite this, it is not being effectively implemented in Maharashtra. The ban should be made mandatory under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, which invites penal provisions if not followed,” Bhattacharya said.

The Act requires registration of non-PoP idol makers and the list has to be published so people are aware of the same. However, no steps have been taken in the regard. The CPCB recommended using eco-friendly idols made of natural clay and biodegradable materials to mitigate these harms. Hence, there is a need to publish a list of idol makers using eco-friendly material.

Bhattacharya pointed out to the court that the Nagpur bench of the HC had taken suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the issue two years back and had issued several directions for implementation of the ban, but directions have not been compiled with.

The Nagpur bench had formed a technical committee to oversee the implementation of the ban. However, the committee has taken upon itself to examine the manner in which the pollution caused by the PoP idols can be mitigated. Also, the minutes of the meeting conducted by the committee reflects that the committee contemplated getting experts’ opinions on the validity of the CPCB ban. “This is ridiculous, as there can be no PoP at all,” Bhattacharya added.

The plea seeks formation of a district level committees for regular checks to ensure effective implementation of the revised CPCB guidelines. Also, action should be taken against idol makers who continue using PoP.

Advocate Tushad Kakalia, appearing for NGO Vanashakti, pointed out that the high court had last year issued a series of directions to ensure no PoP idols were immersed in the natural lake inside the suburban Aarey Milk Colony, which is an eco-sensitive zone.

The court had expanded the scope of the petition to ensure adherence to CPCB guidelines. The NGO has again moved an application for continuation of the directions during the coming Ganesh festival.

The HC has clubbed both the PILs and kept them for hearing in August.

Why idol makers continue using PoP –

PoP for the making of idols is commercially more viable than using clay.

PoP is a cheap material that is easy to use, and keeps the cost of operations low and the margin of profits on making idols high.

Clay suitable for idols is not easy to obtain, is a time consuming material to mould and perfect, and requires a higher degree of skill to manoeuvre.

Disadvantages of PoP –

Has several harmful effects on the environment Including water pollution, soil pollution, damage to the marine ecosystem, waste generation, and environmental degradation.

PoP idols do not dissolve easily in water, leading to the accumulation of non-biodegradable materials and disrupting the aquatic ecosystem.

When immersed in soil, PoP idols release harmful chemicals and heavy metals, contaminating the soil and affecting its fertility.

PoP idols contain chemicals such as Gypsum, Sulphur, Phosphorus, and Magnesium. Chemical paints used for colouring idols may contain Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic, Lead, and Carbon, which are harmful to the nervous system and kidneys.

These heavy chemicals have bio-accumulative properties and can enter the food cycle through aquatic creatures like fish, ultimately affecting human consumption.

Non-biodegradable materials like plastics and thermocol used in idol decoration pose a threat to terrestrial and aquatic environments when immersed in water bodies.

Maharashtra

To avoid heat, oral rehydration powder and drinking water should be provided at posts for sanitation workers, the Municipal Commissioner has directed.

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Mumbai: Steps should be taken to protect employees from heatstroke, dehydration and other health problems caused by heat. In addition, in view of the effects of increasing heat, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has instructed that proper arrangements should be made for Oral Rehydration Powder (ORS) and drinking water at posts for sanitation workers working in the field. However, employees of various departments working in the field should take necessary precautions to protect themselves from heat. In such a situation, Bhide has also appealed to perform their duties by prioritizing health and safety.

In view of the increasing heat in Mumbai, the Municipal Corporation administration is taking various steps for the citizens. Arrangements have been made for the treatment of heatstroke patients in the hospitals of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Also, awareness is being created among the citizens about the steps taken to prevent heatstroke. In this context, Ashwini Bhide has instructed the administration to take various steps for the sanitation workers working in the field.

Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said that the employees of the Municipal Corporation are performing their duties even in various adverse conditions. Around 40,000 sanitation workers are working day and night to maintain cleanliness in Mumbai. However, the current rising temperature can cause heatstroke, dehydration and other health problems. In such a situation, proper arrangements should be made for ORS powder and drinking water at all posts of the Solid Waste Management Department for the sanitation workers working in the field. Bhide has also directed that regular monitoring should be kept in this regard.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai: Fire incidents increase in summer, citizens urged not to burn garbage and other waste in public places during summer

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Mumbai: The rising temperatures in the summer months are likely to lead to an increase in fire incidents due to short circuits, overloading and other reasons like stress on the electrical system in homes, offices and commercial establishments. Therefore, the Mumbai Fire Department of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation has appealed to the people of Mumbai to follow the rules and take precautionary measures. Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Additional Municipal Corporation Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi have directed the Mumbai Fire Department to be alert and equipped for fire prevention measures.

The temperature is rising in Mumbai city. The heat is being felt intensely. Fans, air coolers, air conditioners, refrigerators and other electrical appliances are being used in large quantities in homes, offices and commercial complexes. Due to which there is a possibility of an increase in fire incidents. Apart from this, factors like hot and dry environment, improper storage of flammable materials, burning of garbage and gas emission can also increase the risk of fire. Keeping this in mind, the Mumbai Fire Department has appealed to the citizens to be vigilant and take necessary precautions. Citizens should regularly check the electrical wires, switchboards and plug points in the house and building and ensure their connections. It is also important to avoid overloading by connecting multiple appliances to a single plug point. Safe and standard electrical connections should be used while using appliances like air conditioners, coolers, etc. Do not burn garbage, dry leaves of trees, vines or other flammable objects in the house or surroundings. LPG gas cylinders and gas pipes should be inspected regularly by the concerned experts. The Mumbai Fire Department has appealed to ensure that the fire extinguishing systems in every building, house and residential/non-residential premises are in good condition. Stairs and emergency exits of buildings and commercial complexes should be kept clean. So that citizens can safely exit in case of any incident. Along with this, their vehicles should be parked in the designated places. In case of an unfortunate incident of fire, sufficient space should be kept free for the free and smooth movement of fire brigade vehicles. In case of any fire, do not panic and immediately contact the Mumbai Fire Department on 101 or 022-23001390, 022-23001393, Chief Fire Officer Shri. Ravindra Ambolgekar has appealed.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai: Four members of the same family died due to delayed treatment after eating watermelon, FDA report on watermelon poisoning

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Mumbai: A sensational conclusion has been reached after the mysterious death of a couple and their two daughters due to eating watermelon in Mumbai’s Dhoni. After their health deteriorated, there was a delay and hesitation in their treatment at JJ Hospital, due to which their condition worsened further. Due to lack of timely treatment, four members of the same family died. After the deaths due to eating watermelon, now the sale of watermelon in Mumbai has decreased, along with this, watermelon has completely disappeared from many feasts. JJ Hospital had also started a data entry in this case. All four were admitted to the hospital after complaining of stomach pain. All four were complaining of vomiting and diarrhea. It is said that they were admitted to the hospital late after their condition deteriorated. The forensic investigation also suspects poisoning. The police have formally registered a case of accidental death in this case. On April 25, the family ate biryani and then died due to eating watermelon, but the initial investigation did not clarify this. The FDA’s investigation has made it clear that the watermelon was not contaminated with any toxic substance. Apart from this, the FDA and other agencies are now investigating from the angle of food safety.

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