Rain dance and Holi celebrations across the city mean additional consumption of nearly 50 lakh litres of water, according to BMC estimates.
A BJP legislator in Mumbai has written to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner (BMC) seeking a ban on "rain dance" functions in the metro during the festival of Holi.
The reason, says lawmaker Ameet Satam, is the drought that has hit Maharshtra. He's even asked the corporation to slap a fine of Rs 50,000 on those who indulge in what he says is "a criminal waste of water."
Mr Satam told reporters that BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta has welcomed his suggestion. "Farmers across Maharashtra do not have water. Cities across the state are facing an acute water crisis. People are getting water once in 15 days. In such a situation, playing Holi with a rain dance would amount to a criminal waste of water."
When reminded that many of his own party members also organise rain dance parties where lots of water is used to simulate a downpour, Mr Satam said. "If the BMC passes an order it will be binding on everyone irrespective of their party affiliations. Besides given the situation that the state faces I don't think anyone will oppose the move."
Cities across Maharashtra are staring at water shortage.
Marathwada has just 6 per cent water left in its dams compared to 18 per cent last year at this time. Water conservation is a necessity with the state reeling under a drought.
Rain dance and Holi celebrations across the city mean additional consumption of nearly 50 lakh litres of water, according to BMC estimates.
In 2013, actor Amitabh Bachchan had joined citizens appealing for a dry Holi. The actor had then tweeted, "Water shortage in Maharashtra... And it's only March. What will happen in Summer? Save Water! Play a dry Holi!!"
With this year turning out to be worse than 2013, citizens could again begin asking for a dry Holi.