The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Bengaluru): In the wake of a persistent water crisis, Bengaluru observed Holi in a markedly different manner this year, with many residents and establishments opting for dry celebrations. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) imposed restrictions on the use of potable water for Holi festivities, leading to the cancellation of several water-intensive events planned by the city’s restaurants.
The BWSSB’s stringent stance was evident as notices were served to at least two premium restaurants that had advertised pool and rain dance parties for the Holi celebration. Following the issuance of these notices, the implicated venues promptly called off their events, adhering to the board’s directive to conserve water during this period of scarcity.
Despite these efforts to enforce the ban within the city limits, there were reports of some parties being relocated to areas just outside the jurisdiction of the BWSSB, where the restrictions did not apply. A senior official from the board acknowledged one such instance but noted the limitation in enforcing the ban outside their operational area.
V. Ram Prasath Manohar, the Chairman of the BWSSB, emphasized the importance of responsible celebration in light of the ongoing water crisis. He stated that while the act of celebrating Holi itself was not discouraged, the commercialization of the festival through the organization of water-wasting parties was deemed inappropriate under the circumstances. The BWSSB has pledged to take decisive action against any reported instances of potable water misuse during the festivities, highlighting the city’s broader struggle with water scarcity and the need for conservation.