NGT Hearing Reveals 12 Cricket Stadiums Yet to Submit Groundwater Compliance Reports
The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that twelve prominent cricket stadiums across India have failed to submit compliance reports regarding corrective measures to reduce their dependence on groundwater for maintenance purposes. This disclosure came during a hearing on a plea filed in 2021, which challenged the use of groundwater for cricket ground upkeep without adequate alternatives like STP-treated water and rainwater harvesting systems.
Stadiums That Have Initiated Corrective Steps
In a positive development, the CGWA reported that ten stadiums have begun implementing corrective actions. These include:
- Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai: Has operational rainwater harvesting pits since 2017 and installed three additional ring wells.
- Eden Gardens in Kolkata: Operationalised a 150 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).
- IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali
- MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai
These stadiums are among those taking steps such as constructing rainwater harvesting systems and wastewater treatment plants to address water conservation concerns.
Background of the NGT Plea and Previous Findings
The NGT is hearing a plea that raised critical issues about water conservation in cricket. The plea highlighted that cricket matches, often organized for commercial and entertainment purposes, were being conducted without sufficient regard for sustainable water use. It specifically targeted the lack of alternatives like using STP-treated water and rainwater harvesting for groundwater recharge.
In August 2023, a report by the Ministry of Jal Shakti revealed alarming statistics. Out of 26 stadiums inspected nationwide, 24 had borewells or tubewells for extracting groundwater, and only four possessed the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) for groundwater extraction. Furthermore, 22 stadiums were found to be only partially compliant with requirements for installing rainwater harvesting mechanisms, using treated water, and obtaining NOCs. Following this, the NGT issued notices to these 22 stadiums.
Current Status and Non-Compliant Stadiums
In a report dated January 20, the CGWA stated that while ten stadiums have shared their compliance reports, twelve others have not done so, despite NGT orders issued in March, July, and October of the previous year. The stadiums that have yet to submit their replies include:
- Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi
- Stadiums in Rajkot, Raipur, Pune, Jaipur, Indore, Mumbai, Kanpur, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Dharamshala, and Cuttack
The CGWA has requested appropriate directions from the NGT regarding these twelve non-compliant stadiums to ensure they adhere to water conservation norms.
Implications and Next Steps
This case underscores the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability in sports infrastructure. The failure of these stadiums to comply with NGT orders could lead to further legal actions or penalties, emphasizing the need for all sporting venues to adopt eco-friendly practices. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing issue in India, such measures are crucial for promoting responsible resource management in large-scale events and facilities.
The NGT's ongoing hearing will likely focus on enforcing compliance and setting precedents for water conservation in sports venues across the country, potentially influencing policies beyond cricket to other sectors as well.
