Sonajhuri Haat In Bengal's Santiniketan To Miss Holi This Year. Here's Why.

Kolkata: Two days before the entire India celebrates the festival of colors, the West Bengal Government had issued a notice to ban Holi celebration in the Santiniketan Sonajhuri Haat, citing probable environmental concerns. 
The Sonajhuri Haat is a cultural hub, located near the Visva Bharati’s Santiniketan campus, a UNESCO heritage site. Visva Bharti was founded as an ashram in 1863 which was later converted into a School and Art Centre in 1901 by Rabindranath Tagore. It was given the tag of UNESCO Heritage site in 2023. 
Sonajhuri is located in forest land and the officials are concerned that colored water might damage the trees. Bolpur Divisional Forest Officer Rahul Kumar instructed locals and foreign visitors to not park their vehicles, celebrate Holi and videography any celebration in the vicinity. Controversy erupted after posters appeared at Sonajhuri Haat citing a restriction on ‘playing with colors, parking cars & use of drones’. 

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DFO clarified that they want to avoid gathering of large number of people during the festival in green cover area. He added that there could be an irreparable damage to the trees due to the colored water. Further, the DFO stated that a large number of people will be prohibited from walking for Dol yatra on the Sonajhuri Khowai belt on 14th March.
The Sonajhuri haat had gained popularity attracting many visitors for Holi celebration and it is the first time forest department has banned Holi celebration after 2019 when Visva Bharti stopped opening up the event of 'Basanto Utsav' (spring festival) to the public.
This decision by the West Bengal government has received criticism from the opposition alleging it as a political move. Statement by the Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari highlighted that an unprecedented meetings at all police stations were held and they were communicated that no colors would be used during the Holi celebration.
West Bengal Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda refutes report of restrictions imposed at Sonajhuri Haat, Santiniketan over playing Holi. Hansda says, “It is not a restriction, it is a request keeping environment, ecology of Sonajhuri Haat in mind. Those who wish to play Holi can still do so.” BJP calls it West Bengal Govt’s U-turn after drawing flak.