TISS Issues Guidelines, Prohibits Water Use Amid Shortage In Mumbai

Mumbai: The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has issued a circular outlining guidelines for Holi celebrations on its campuses, urging students, staff, and residents to ensure that festivities do not result in damage to infrastructure or wastage of resources.

The notice, dated March 11, states, “All the Residents, Staff and Students of the Institute are requested to ensure that while celebrating Holi, the walls, furniture, roads, hostels, dining halls, residential quarters or any other place on the Main and Naoroji Campuses of the Institute are not to be damaged/spoilt or soiled with colours or any marking or posters.”

The institute has also stressed the importance of respecting personal consent during celebrations, noting, “They are also requested not to apply any colour or splash water on anyone unwilling to take part in the celebration. They are also advised not to go to the Hostels or Residence of anyone for such purpose in the campus.”

Additionally, the circular has warned against the misuse of resources for Holi bonfires, stating, “Similarly, the wood belonging to the Institute or the building contractors should not be burnt, and the branches of trees should not be cut for the purpose of celebrating Holi.”

Highlighting Mumbai’s ongoing water shortage, the institute has strictly prohibited water usage for Holi. The notice states, “More importantly, in view of the severe short supply of water from BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation), the use of water for playing Holi is strictly prohibited. We hope you will understand the urgent need to avoid wastage of water and fully cooperate with the Institute in saving water.”