“What have you been doing for the past year?” NGT asks Tamil Nadu Govt. through the Vinayaka idol immersion readiness

The NGT had earlier directed the authorities to reconsider Pattinapakkam and Neelankarai after noting that the two localities fall under CRZ-I areas and hence the submergence may not be permissible. Photo credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

The South Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday (September 17, 2026) again questioned the Tamil Nadu government on its preparedness for the Vinayaka Chathurthi festival, pointing out that the state has a whole year to act on the idol immersion guidelines.

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 NGT are followed at least during the next Vinayaka Chaturthi festival. The affidavit was not filed Thursday, and the state requested another day.

Disputing the plea, Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana noted that the state had a whole year between the previous and the current festival to prepare. “What steps has the government taken, whether it involves any department?”

The court said that the affidavit should not only contain an undertaking but should set out measures to be taken in future to ensure compliance with regulations and orders passed by courts and tribunals.

During its earlier hearings this month, the bench also raised concerns over the proposed immersion sites in Chennai. The authority ordered them to reconsider Pattinapakkam and Neelankarai after noting that the two places fall under CRZ-I areas and therefore may not be permissible for immersion.

Revised arrangements

The state counsel said on Thursday that some modified arrangements have been made for the ongoing festival, including diversion of idols from some locations to designated locations in North Chennai. However, he said the closure of the dip spots in South Chennai would lead to traffic management and law and order problems.

The revised arrangements were made after considering the problem from a traffic management perspective, he added, adding that the difficulties faced this year could be mitigated by better planning and streamlining from next year, and sought to file an affidavit one day.

The bench, however, said the state was aware of the guidelines and the need for advance preparations. The matter will be heard on Friday (September 18).

Published – 17 Sep 2026 13:33 IST