New Delhi: Markets flooded with artificial colours are forcing people to forgo Holi celebration to avoid health risks. The use of artificial colors has changed the attitude of the people towards Holi celebration. "All colours of Holi contain chemicals. Some colours are highly adulterated and some of them are made with less quantity of chemicals. Most of the artifical colours come from Maharashtra and Gujarat," says Brij Lal, a shopkeeper. Holi has disappointed people as one cannot play with synthetic red, green, blue, saffron, yellow colours.Such colours are very harmful not only for skin but for eyes also. "Markets flooded with artificial colours cause thousands of people to suffer skin and eye problems. Artificial colours are posing as a great threat. Last year even my own children had become the victim of such colours.Till date they are suffering from that skin disease ," says Gyan Prakash, a customer. "We have also lodged a complaint with the administration but no action seems to have been taken as far," he added.
- March 18, 2005