Maharashtra is facing one if it's worst droughts with the monsoon failing in many parts for two years.
On March 24, Maharashtra will celebrate a dry Holi, with the state government banning rain dance functions due to acute drought in the state. As a more serious measure, it has also ordered the shutting down of swimming pools for the next three months.
Speaking at a 'water awareness' event, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to people to celebrate Holi cautiously. "We can play dry Holi by using less water. I am not saying no to play Holi at all. But I appeal to everyone that celebrate the festival as a dry Holi," Mr Fadnavis said.
Water resources Minister Ganesh Mahajan confirmed that rain dance functions - that simulate a downpour and are very popular during Holi but consume lots of water - have been banned. Private tankers have also been barred from supplying water to such events.
In spite of the serious water crisis, both public and private swimming pools were still operating in the state. The government has now issued directives to all municipalities to stop supplying water to these.
"There is a water problem in Maharashtra. Letters have been given to municipal officers that swimming pools should be stopped," Mr Mahajan said.
Maharashtra is facing one if it's worst droughts with the monsoon failing in many parts for two years. Government data shows there is only 25 per cent water in the state's dams, whereas the situation has reached alarming proportions in the drought hit region of Marathwada where only 5 per cent water remains. And, summer is yet to begin.