Mumbai mayor hosts flower Holi event, calls for eco-friendly festivities

In a bid to promote sustainable festive practices Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde on Tuesday spearheaded an ecofriendly Holi celebration titled lsquoPhoolon Ki Holirsquo at Rajawadi Garden in Ghatkopar East The initiative aimed to encourage citizens to celebrate Holi and Dhulivandan responsibly while prioritising environmental conservationEcoFriendly Celebration at Rajawadi GardenThe event witnessed the participation of local residents along with the presence of MLA Parag Shah Instead of conventional chemical colours and excessive water usage participants celebrated using flower petals reinforcing the message of sustainable festivitiesThe initiative was designed not only as a symbolic gesture but also as a practical model for citizens to adopt ecoconscious methods during festivals The Mayor emphasised the importance of balancing cultural traditions with environmental responsibilityFrom Flowers to Compost A Sustainable StepIn a unique approach to waste management the flowers used during the celebration will be collected and processed into organic compost Following the event the venue was thoroughly cleaned ensuring that no waste was left behindThis step highlights the BMCrsquos broader focus on circular waste management transforming what is typically discarded into a valuable resource The compost generated will contribute to maintaining green spaces across the cityMayor Urges Responsible FestivitiesAddressing attendees Mayor Ritu Tawde called upon citizens to celebrate Holi Dhulivandan and Rangpanchami in an environmentally responsible manner She urged people to avoid cutting trees for Holika Dahan and instead use dry wood Additionally she cautioned against burning plastic tyres rubber or chemically treated materials which can release harmful pollutantsShe also appealed to citizens to minimise water usage during Dhulivandan and opt for natural ecofriendly colours The Mayor noted that while the BMC has already issued guidelines for safe celebrations initiatives like lsquoPhoolon Ki Holirsquo aim to lead by example and strengthen public awarenessCall for Citizen ParticipationMLA Parag Shah lauded the Mayorrsquos efforts stating that the initiative sets a strong precedent for environmentally conscious celebrations He urged citizens to be mindful of environmental concerns and adopt responsible practices during festivalsShah also highlighted the need to control noise pollution particularly in residential areas near hospitals and in sensitive zones by adhering to permissible sound levels He described the initiative as a model for balancing celebration with civic responsibilityTowards a Greener MumbaiThe lsquoPhoolon Ki Holirsquo initiative aligns with the cityrsquos broader vision of sustainability and cleanliness By converting floral waste into compost and encouraging ecofriendly practices the BMC aims to inspire citizens to actively contribute to building a cleaner greener and healthier MumbaiThe Mayor reiterated her appeal for widespread public participation stressing that collective efforts are essential to preserving the environment while celebrating cultural traditions