Holi banned at Sonajhuri Haat for first time- Here's why!

West Bengal: The West Bengal government has banned Holi fests at Sonajhuri Haat in Birbhum's Santiniketan, citing enterprises over implicit environmental damage. The area, known for its lush verdure and propinquity to Visva Bharati University — a UNESCO World Heritage point — draws thousands of excursionists and locals during the jubilee.

Authorities concerned about ecological impact

Rahul Kumar, the Divisional Forest Officer( DFO) of Bolpur, stated that banners have been placed around Sonajhuri Haat prompting callers not to situate vehicles or share in Holi fests. He emphasized that the use of multicolored maquillages and water could harm the fragile ecosystem of the forested region. The timber department, with support from law enforcement, will take measures to insure the ban is followed. still, Kumar expressed stopgap that people would admire the directive freely.

Visva Bharati University also restricts fests

Visva Bharati University officers clarified that the lot will remain unrestricted for public Holi fests due to its UNESCO recognition. The university has abstain from hosting the traditional' Basanto Utsav' since 2019, as accommodating massive crowds — estimated at over 500,000 — acts logistical challenges.

A major first Sonajhuri Haat faces restrictions

This is the first case where the timber department has assessed a restriction on Holi fests at Sonajhuri Haat. The decision follows enterprises that the large gatherings and jubilee conditioning could beget unrecoverable detriment to the terrain. officers have prompted the public to prioritize conservation and avoid gathering in the Sonajhuri Khowai region on March 14, the day of Dol Yatra.

" We aren't administering a strict ban, but we will help large groups from entering the timber area to cover the verdure. The smattering of colors and water can significantly damage the trees," Kumar added, appealing to people to help save the ecological balance