The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Bengaluru):As Bengaluru faces a water crisis, the city authorities have implemented guidelines to conserve water during the upcoming Holi festival on March 25th. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has prohibited the use of potable (drinking) water for any public Holi events involving rain dances or pool dances.
According to V. Ramprasath Manohar, Chairman of BWSSB, while there are no restrictions on cultural celebrations of Holi within households, organizing rain dances or pool dances for commercial purposes is not permitted if it involves using drinking water or borewell water. The order states, “It is not right to organize rain dance and pool dance for monetary gains. Hence, Cauvery water or borewell water should not be used for such events.”
This decision comes in response to concerns raised by citizens about potential water wastage during the festival. More than 70 Holi events involving rain dances and pool dances were planned in the city. While organizers defended their decision, claiming they would use recycled water with only 10-20% wastage, authorities prioritized water conservation measures.
In a related move, the district administration has capped the price of a 12,000-liter water tanker load at Rs. 1,200 when the distance between the water source and destination is within 10 km. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has been sending automated calls to citizens, urging them to report violations of the price cap on the helpline number 1533.
However, tanker operators argue that the price cap does not apply to them as they often travel distances exceeding 20 km to fetch water. Despite the cap, many residents of outer zones report paying Rs. 2,000 for a 12,000-liter tanker.
As the city grapples with water scarcity, the authorities aim to strike a balance between cultural celebrations and responsible water usage during the festive season. By restricting the use of potable water for commercial events and regulating tanker prices, they hope to promote water conservation efforts.