'Endangering trees': Mamata government bans Holi celebrations at Sonajhuri Haat
What's the story
The West Bengal government has banned Holi celebrations at the famous Sonajhuri Haat of Santiniketan. The decision comes after concerns that the area's greenery might be damaged.
The marketplace is located adjacent to the Visva Bharati University's Santiniketan campus, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bolpur Divisional Forest Officer Rahul Kumar confirmed banners have been installed in the area, dissuading visitors from parking their vehicles or celebrating Holi there.
Restrictions
Restrictions on recording videos of festivities
Besides disallowing parking of vehicles, people are requested not to shoot videos of the celebrations.
Kumar said, "The department will seek support from police and administration to enforce the ban but will also leave it to people for better sense to prevail."
A Visva Bharati University spokesperson also defended the ban, saying the university can't allow public entry during Holi because of its UNESCO heritage status.
University stance
Visva Bharati University supports the ban
Kumar clarified they are not passing orders, but will restrict entry of large groups in Sonajhuri Khowai on March 14, Dol Yatra day.
He reiterated their objective of preventing thousands of people from congregating in a green patch during the festival of colors.
"Opening it up for all would mean accommodating more than 5,00,000 people within the ashrama, which Visva-Bharati cannot manage in terms of infrastructure and logistics," he told PTI.
Ban history
First ban of its kind at Sonajhuri Haat
This is the first time such a restriction has been imposed at Sonajhuri Haat, which became famous for Holi celebrations after Visva Bharati stopped public participation in 'Basanto Utsav' (spring festival) in 2019.
"We are not opening the varsity campus (to all) for the 'Basanto Utsav' because of the UNESCO World Heritage status," a Visva Bharati spokesperson said.
Political response
Opposition criticizes government decision
West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari questioned the ban, accusing the government of banning it for political reasons.
He alleged that police organize coordination programs in other communities' festivals and accused Banerjee's police administration of indulging in "politics of divides" and "politics of appeasement."
"So, it was openly said that...Holi should be celebrated....Birbhum Additional SP said that by 10am, the Holi celebrations in Santiniketan should be wrapped up because it is Friday...This is happening..for the first time," he said.