In a significant development, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted a final opportunity to 13 cricket stadiums across the country to respond to notices regarding the use of groundwater without considering alternative sources like rainwater and sewage treatment plant (STP) treated water.

The NGT, chaired by Justice Prakash Shrivastava along with judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel, took note that out of the 22 stadiums involved in the matter, only 9 had filed responses to the earlier notices.

This action came during the hearing of an application for compliance with the NGT’s earlier order issued in April 2021. In that order, the NGT had directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti to convene a joint meeting with nominees from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, representatives of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The purpose of this meeting was to discuss and regulate the extraction of groundwater for maintaining cricket grounds.

However, counsel for the applicant informed the Tribunal that these directions were not followed, alleging that cricket stadiums continued to use groundwater without the requisite no objection certificate (NOC) and had not implemented rainwater harvesting systems or explored the use of STP treated water.

In response to the non-compliance, the NGT issued notices to the concerned stadiums in 2023, calling for reports which had not yet been submitted.

As a final opportunity, the NGT has granted three weeks to the stadiums to file their responses.

During the proceedings, counsel for one of the stadiums highlighted that their application for an NOC from the state groundwater authority had been pending for nine months.

Taking cognizance of the delay, the NGT directed that all pending applications by stadiums before the concerned authorities must be expedited and decided promptly.

The matter is scheduled to be heard further on August 13.

Representation during the hearing included Senior Advocate Abhinav Mukerji and Advocate Bihu Sharma for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Advocate Gigi C George for the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), Advocate SP Deshpande for the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Advocate Prashant Manchanda for the Punjab Cricket Association, and Advocates Varun Byreddy and Akhil Naidu for the Andhra Cricket Association–Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association Cricket Stadium.

The NGT’s intervention underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices, especially in the context of recreational facilities such as cricket stadiums. By promoting the adoption of rainwater harvesting and STP treated water usage, the NGT aims to ensure responsible groundwater utilization and environmental conservation in line with regulatory directives.

The outcome of this ongoing legal process will likely have far-reaching implications for sports infrastructure development, water resource management, and environmental stewardship across the country. Stakeholders involved, including sports governing bodies, environmental agencies, and local authorities, must collaborate to implement sustainable solutions that balance sporting requirements with ecological responsibilities.

The NGT’s proactive approach in addressing groundwater extraction issues associated with cricket stadiums reflects its commitment to upholding environmental norms and fostering a culture of conservation in India’s sports landscape. As the legal proceedings continue, stakeholders must prioritize compliance with regulatory frameworks and embrace innovative practices to achieve sustainable and resilient sports infrastructure in harmony with nature.