Fadnavis appealed people to have a dry Holi festival and save water in view of its shortage across the state

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday appealed people to have a dry Holi festival and save water in view of its shortage across the state even as directives have been issued to civic bodies to keep swimming pools shut till the commencement of monsoon.

"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 here.

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.

"There is only 25 per cent water left in dams across Maharashtra, while in Marathwada region there is barely 5 per cent water left. In such a scenario, nobody can be allowed to waste water. Every drop has to be saved. Thus, we have asked all municipal corporations to waste as little water as possible," he said.

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 23 and 24 March, 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.

Meanwhile, Thane Municipal Corporation has already announced that no water tankers shall be provided for rain dance. Similarly, Pune Municipal Corporation too has issued orders banning rain dance during Rang Panchami on 24 March.

PTI