Should Karnataka Govt Ban Holi Celebrations In Bengaluru Due To Water Crisis?

With less than two weeks to go for the Holi festival, Bengaluru residents ponder whether celebrations will be curtailed this year amidst a pressing water crisis. Advocates for a ban cite the city's dire water scarcity, urging the Karnataka government to prioritize essential needs over festivities.

Bengaluru is grappling with an unprecedented water crisis with the people in many parts struggling to get water for their daily needs. Hence, a section of citizens are urging the state government to bring a ban on the celebration as water gets wasted during the celebration.

"I think the government should ban the celebration this time because we don't have water for our basic needs. If governments can impose restrictions for bursting of crackers during Diwali, I don't think the government has the right to ban on Holi celebrations," Prabhakar Rao, a resident from Bengaluru South tells Oneindia.

While water traditionally plays a central role in Holi festivities, alternatives like dry colours, music, and sweets offer eco-friendly alternatives, notes a resident from Whitefield. Holi, this year, falls on March 25.

"People are aware of their responsibility. When people are not having enough water for their needs, nobody will waste water. People will opt for dryer holi celebrations without using water," the resident adds.

Raksha, from Indiranagar, highlights the growing popularity of water-free celebrations, emphasizing the festival's spirit over its traditional elements. She adds, "Eco-friendly and water-free Holi celebrations have gained popularity as they promote environmental sustainability and reduce water wastage. Therefore, while water adds to the fun of Holi for many, it's not a prerequisite for enjoying the spirit of the festival."

However, opinions vary, with some suggesting the use of treated wastewater for Holi while restricting rain dances and water guns to minimize waste.

On the other hand, some are of the view that people should be allowed to allow people to play Holi with treated wastewater, but there should be a ban on rain dance and water guns.

"Raising awareness about the issue is crucial. While using treated wastewater for festivities is acceptable, I advocate for banning rain dances and water guns," suggests another resident of North Bengaluru, residing in a high-rise apartment.

"People needs to be made sensitivity about the issue. Allowing people to use treated wastewater for celebration is fine, but ban raindance and water guns," another person from North Bengaluru, who stays in a high-rise apartment, says.

Meanwhile, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has enforced a ban on the use of drinking water in swimming pools, threatening fines for violations, as the city grapples with its water woes.