Visakhapatnam: Holi and World Water Day presented contrasting pictures altogether in the city. On March 22, many took a pledge to conserve water on the occasion of World Water Day. Awareness rallies were taken out sensitising people about various ways to stop wasting water. Just the next day, gallons of water was drained out in Holi celebrations.
After getting soaked in the Holi spirit, many kept the water taps open unnecessarily every which way, not something Vizagities can afford to do so when the city is staring at an imminent water crisis with plummeting water-levels in various reservoirs that meet the demand of the city.
A good number of water tankers were also stationed at the party venues as most of the Holi bashes organised rain dance, among other events, to lure youngsters. The water pipes were set over the party venues to sprinkle water over the revellers. The water drained down from morning to afternoon.
GVMC superintendent engineer (Water Supply) P. Ananda Rao said the citizens should understand that the civic body is taking a slew of measures to ensure that water crisis does not arise this summer," he added.
The intense awareness campaigns against use of synthetic colours also did not go down easily. People opted for chemical colours, owing to the cost factor.
"Usage of chemical colours is not only leading to soil and water pollution but also to wastage of water,” said P. Madhu, president of IYFS.
