West Bengal govt bans Holi celebrations in Santinikentan's Birbhum district, says it ‘damages trees’

West Bengal government has imposed a ban on Holi celebrations at Sonajhuri Haat in Santiniketan’s Birbhum district. Officials have cited concerns over potential damage to the lush green cover of the area. The marketplace, a major draw for tourists, is located near Visva Bharati University, which holds UNESCO World Heritage status.

Authorities Urge Public Compliance

Bolpur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rahul Kumar confirmed the move, stating that banners have been placed around the area to inform visitors. “The department will seek support from the police and administration to enforce the ban but will also leave it to people for the better sense to prevail,” Kumar told PTI. Tourists, both Indian and foreign, have been requested not to park vehicles or participate in Holi celebrations at the site. Additionally, visitors have been urged not to record videos of the festivities.

Kumar further clarified that while no direct orders have been issued, groups of people will be prevented from entering the Sonajhuri Khowai belt on March 14, the day of Dol Yatra. “We are not issuing any diktat, and people in large groups will be prevented from walking to the Sonajhuri Khowai belt on March 14,” he said.

Environmental Concerns at the Core

Authorities emphasise that the ban is not arbitrary but stems from a commitment to protecting the local ecology. “What we want to avert is the assembling of thousands of people during the festival of colours in an area where there is a green cover. The sprinkling of coloured water may cause irreparable damage to trees. Let us take the pledge to save Sonajhuri from any ecological damage on March 14,” Kumar added.

This marks the first time the forest department has placed such restrictions on Holi