Kolkata/IBNS: The West Bengal government has stirred a row by imposing a ban on celebrations of Hindu festival Holi in Shantiniketan's Sonajhuri Haat triggering sharp responses from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), media reports said.

The ban has been reportedly imposed citing potential damage to the greenery at the popular marketplace which is located near Visva Bharati University (VBU).

Bolpur Division Forest Officer Rahul Kumar said banners have been put up urging tourists to not park vehicles or celebrate Holi which is the festival of colours.

BJP, which is the main opposition party in the state, has accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government of appeasement politics.

"The curb on Holi has been instructed because a separate community is observing a holy month. The festival has been curbed as Holi is celebrated on Friday this year. This is unprecedented in West Bengal," said Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.

"Mamata Banerjee's police and administration are playing divisive and appeasement politics," said the BJP strongman.

Facing the heat, the government has issued a clarification stating it was not a diktat but a request.

West Bengal Minister of State for Forest Birbaha Hansda told ANI, "We have not banned Holi (in Santiniketan); we had requested the people to secure the environment.

"When people play Holi - it contains chemicals that may harm trees... I would request all those who are doing politics over the issue, the situation of every place is different..."