Amidst the ongoing water crisis in Bengaluru, several hotels and resorts in the city have chosen to host rain dance events and pool parties to celebrate the festival of Holi. This decision has sparked controversy as residents of Bengaluru continue to struggle for access to drinking water.
Despite the scarcity of water plaguing the city, many hotels have begun selling tickets for pool parties scheduled to take place from March 22 onwards. Hotel Leroy, for instance, is advertising the “biggest pool rooftop open-air Holi party 2024,” claiming it to be the largest and longest Holi celebration in Bangalore. Similarly, Lago Palms resort is hosting an “Open Air-Pool Holi Festival,” while Meenakshi Resorts is promoting a “pool rain dance festival” with tickets priced at ₹99. The Jayamahal Palace Hotel is also offering rain dance, Punjabi dhol, unlimited colors, and a Holi party until sunset.
Meanwhile, the festival of Holi is set to be celebrated across India on March 25. However, the festive atmosphere contrasts sharply with the grim reality faced by many Bengaluru residents as they grapple with the water scarcity crisis.
Reports from news agency ANI highlight the ongoing struggle for drinking water in Bengaluru, with residents forced to queue up outside RO water plants in the hopes of securing essential water supply. Many residents have expressed frustration over the untimely supply of water and the inadequacy of available resources.
Shabbir, a local resident, lamented the insufficient water supply, stating that they often need to make multiple visits to check for water availability. With the onset of summer, the situation has worsened, compounded by the delayed arrival of rains and depleted water levels in the Kaveri River.
Despite these challenges, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has downplayed the severity of the water crisis in Bengaluru. He asserted that there is no shortage of water in the city and claimed that alternative arrangements have been made for the approximately 7,000 dried borewells. Additionally, Shivakumar assured residents that the government has taken control of water tankers and identified alternative water sources to address the situation.
The discrepancy between the festive celebrations and the harsh reality of water scarcity underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management practices in Bengaluru. While residents continue to grapple with daily challenges to access potable water, the government’s assurances must be met with concrete actions to alleviate the ongoing crisis and ensure equitable distribution of water resources. As the city navigates through these challenges, collective efforts are essential to address the root causes of water scarcity and secure a sustainable future for all residents of Bengaluru.