The Tamil Nadu government has assured the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that Ganesh idol immersion will not be allowed at Chennai’s Foreshore Estate and Neelankarai beaches from next year.

The State has also told the tribunal that it will work towards stopping idol immersion in natural water bodies across Tamil Nadu from 2027, while complying with directions issued by the Supreme Court, Madras High Court and the NGT. The government is expected to clarify the scope of the proposed statewide measure in an affidavit.

The assurance was given during the hearing of a petition seeking restrictions on Ganesh idol immersion in water bodies due to its potential environmental impact.

The petitioner submitted that immersion of idols made of plaster of Paris and painted with chemicals and other substances could affect water quality and aquatic life. The plea sought a ban on idol immersion at all beaches from next year and suggested the creation of temporary artificial immersion ponds as an alternative.

However, the proposed relocation of idols from the two Chennai beaches has raised logistical and law-and-order concerns.

A report submitted by the Greater Chennai Corporation before the tribunal stated that consultations with the police and other departments had highlighted challenges relating to traffic management, public order and the transportation of large numbers of idols to alternative immersion sites.

The Corporation has proposed shifting around 450 idols from Palavakkam beach to Kovalam, south of Chennai, and around 250 idols from Pattinapakkam to Ennore, in north Chennai.

The NGT had earlier asked the government to examine whether idols being immersed at Foreshore Estate and Neelankarai could instead be taken to designated immersion points, considering the environmental sensitivity of the two coastal locations.

The tribunal also sought information from the government on steps being taken to levy immersion charges based on the size of the idols.

The NGT has directed the Tamil Nadu government to file an affidavit detailing the proposed measures and adjourned the matter.

The proceedings could shape the State’s approach towards regulating idol immersion while addressing concerns over pollution of natural water bodies.