‘What did you do in the past year?’ NGT asks Tamil Nadu govt. over Vinayaka idol immersion preparedness
The National Green Tribunal has criticized the Tamil Nadu government for failing to provide a clear plan for eco-friendly Vinayaka idol immersion. The court is demanding an affidavit detailing compliance with pollution control guidelines to protect sensitive coastal zones.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between religious festival traditions and environmental regulations in urban coastal areas.
The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday (September 17, 2026) yet again questioned the Tamil Nadu government about its preparedness for the Vinayaka Chathurthi festival, pointing out that the State had a full year to act on the directions on idol immersion.
The bench on Wednesday (September 16) directed the State to file an affidavit ensuring that the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), along with earlier orders of the Supreme Court, Madras High Court, and the NGT, would be followed at least during next year’s Vinayaka Chaturthi festival. The affidavit was not filed on Thursday, and the State sought another day’s time.
Questioning the request, Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana observed that the State had had a full year between the previous and current festivals to prepare. “What was the action taken by the government, whichever department may be concerned?”
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