India, July 24 -- In a move aimed at reducing water pollution during Ganeshotsav, the Maharashtra government on Wednesday informed the Bombay High Court that it will now be mandatory to immerse all Ganesh idols measuring up to 5 feet in height in artificial ponds provided by local municipal bodies across the state.

The announcement was made by advocate general Dr Birendra Saraf while responding to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by activist Rohit Manohar, who raised concerns about the environmental impact of immersing Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols in natural water bodies.

"Until now, using artificial tanks for immersion was optional. But in keeping with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines, immersion of idols up...