Maharashtra Government informed the Bombay High Court that it will only allow the immersion of Ganesh idols which are above five feet in height in natural water bodies.

Advocate General Dr. Birendra Saraf reiterated that all idols below five feet will have to be compulsorily immersed in artificial lakes.

He further informed the court that while around 1.96 lakh idols below five feet will be immersed in artificial ponds, only about 7,000 idols will be immersed in natural water bodies.

The bench, however, seemed unconvinced and said that 7,000 idols is still a large number and could be an environmental hazard.

Accordingly, the court directed the Advocate General to seek clarification if immersion of idols upto 8 feet would be possible in artificial lakes and adjourned the hearing for tomorrow.