Mumbai, July 23 -- In a significant step towards balancing tradition with environmental responsibility, the government, on Wednesday, submitted an affidavit in the Bombay High Court stating that domestic Ganesh idols of a certain height will be immersed in artificial ponds, said a press statement.

While large idols of Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals will be immersed in the traditional manner in the sea, with all necessary environmental precautions in place.

This move will pave the way for the immersion of large Ganesh idols in the sea. The ban on POP (Plaster of Paris) posed a serious threat to the livelihoods of lakhs of sculptors and jeopardised the economy of a major traditional industry.

In response, Maharashtra's Cultural Affairs M...