The Chhattisgarh High Court disposed of a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) on pollution caused by idol immersion in the Kharun River.
The PIL was initiated based on a news article published in Dainik Bhaskar on October 24, 2024, highlighting the deplorable condition of the river after idol immersion.
The court had directed the Secretary, Urban Administration and Development Department, and the District Magistrate/Collector, Raipur, to file personal affidavits regarding the cleaning of immersion areas across the state.
In response, the Secretary submitted an affidavit stating that necessary arrangements were made for safe and eco-friendly idol immersion, and debris was removed from immersion pools and adjoining areas.
The bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad expressed satisfaction with the state’s efforts, noting that concerns regarding pollution had been addressed.
The judges emphasized the importance of ensuring idol immersion is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner to prevent harm to water bodies and public health.