Rain dance, pool parties held by hotels for Holi have been banned.
In a major decision, Maharashtra government has asked municipal corporations not to supply water to swimming pools in cities. Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis issued orders to all municipal corporations in view of the severe water scarcity the state is facing after last year's extremely poor rains.
The Marathwada region in Maharashtra, which generally receives poor rainfall, is the worst affected and is left with just 5% water in its dams. Other regions, too, have hardly any water left before the onset of this year's monsoon which is at least two and a half months away.
Mumbai, Thane and adjoining areas are reeling under the scarcity situation too. The Navi Mumbai region is facing water cuts as high as 60% while Mumbai is most likely to see water cut to ensure city has enough water to last till the rains.
Rain dance, pool parties at hotels, which are usually the norm during the Holi festival coming up later this month, have been banned. In Thane, hoteliers have decided to serve just half a glass of water to avoid wastage. It has been decided that patrons will be served more water only if asked.
"We can play dry Holi. Use less water. I do not say don't play Holi. I appeal that everyone in the state celebrate the festival as dry Holi," Fadnavis said at a water awareness programme in Mantralaya in Mumbai. On the occasion, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan told reporters that all municipal corporations in the state have been directed to shut down swimming pools in their respective limits till the onset of the monsoon. He said all civic bodies have also been requested to make drinking water a priority and not provide water to theme parks till monsoon arrives in the state.
Mahajan also said orders have been issued to civic bodies not to provide water tankers for revellers and organisers of 'rain dance' during Holi and Rang Panchami festival on March 23 and 24, respectively.
"Rain dance has to be stopped. Likewise, water cannot be supplied to theme parks when in other places people have to walk for several miles to get drinking water. Municipal Corporations have thus been requested to ensure water is not wasted in theme parks," he said.
With PTI inputs.
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 "Maharashtra, Devendra Fadanvis, Marathwada, Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, Thane, Girish Mahajan, Water crisis, Monsoon 2016")
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