To play, or not to play? Holi in the Time of 'Drought'

Bangalore, March 27: This time

festival has taken a new colour. Play Holi without

, as water crisis and

like situation across country have hit the nation. Several campaigns were started by NGOs to spread the message of not wasting water during Holi celebrations.

To an extent, the campaigns were successful. But, many played Holi with gay abandon, forgetting that Maharashtra is facing worst drought in last 40 years.

"It is criminal to waste water to play Holi. Water shortage is a reality across India. It is time to save water, then wasting water," said Manjula P, a resident of Bangalore.

India's IT-hub too is facing water crisis this year. Several areas are facing drinking water shortage as water supply department has become erratic in delivering daily need of water to the residents.

But, as Holi is not played by everyone in Bangalore, thus the entire issue of playing Holi without water does not hold much importance.

"Why only Holi? We should save water everyday. Wasting water is foolish on our part, as water shortage is a reality. It is time to save every drop of water," said Sukumar, a senior citizen of Bangalore.

Echoing Sukumar, Nandini C, a college-goer said, "As young generation, we need to save water for future. Otherwise a day is not far away when the nation will go dry completely."

But, many feel that campaigns like playing Holi without water are mere gimmicks.

"It is true, the nation is facing water crisis. Why only Holi? Let us save water everyday and government should have a clear cut policy towards water management," said Vidyut Kumar, an IT professional.

OneIndia News