Members of a residential society in Surat have decided to impose fine on parents whose children are found throwing water balloons on commuters or harassing them on Holi. Supporting the move, the Surat police have started issuing notification in this regard.

The members of Triparna Apartment Cooperative Housing Society have placed a circular at the society notice board that parents will be asked to pay Rs 5,000, if their kids were found throwing balloons on Holi. Interestingly, all the residents in the society have welcomed the step.

Residents said the main message behind the move is to create awareness among children not to use plastic bags on Holi.

Almost a week before Holi, some residents noticed that children in the society were throwing plastic pouches and balloons filled with coloured water on commuters, visitors. “We felt that Holi is not to harass someone, but is festival of joy. We immediately decided to work on the issue and eventually decided to impose Rs 5,000 fine on parents whose children are found throwing plastic pouches, balloons and coloured water on passersby,” said Uday Dhadhal, treasurer of the society.

Another member, Rakesh Gandhi said: “We had no issues in accepting this notification since it has a positive impact. Primarily, it would bring out the true meaning of Holi to the children and at the same time they will learn about the responsible usage of plastic.”