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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed cricket governing associations to provide a detailed report on their water usage, particularly the proportion of groundwater, treated sewage water, and municipal supply used for the maintenance of cricket grounds.
The order was issued during a meeting on March 19, chaired by Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Principal Bench Chairperson), Sudhir Agarwal (Judicial Member), and A Senthil Vel (Expert Member). The NGT is assessing the environmental impact of using freshwater for ground irrigation instead of treated sewage water or rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS).
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NGT’s Directives to Cricket Associations
The tribunal has asked cricket stadiums across India to submit a detailed report within four weeks, disclosing:
✔ Monthly and yearly water consumption for ground irrigation
✔ Proportion of treated sewage water (STP) vs. freshwater usage
✔ Breakdown of freshwater sources – groundwater, municipal supply, or other sources
NGT’s Statement on Water Usage in Cricket Grounds
“We direct respondents/cricket stadiums to file additional replies within four weeks disclosing the monthly and yearly use of water for irrigating the ground. The report must detail the proportion of STP-treated and freshwater used, along with a breakdown of freshwater sources such as groundwater, municipality/ULB supply, or any other source.”
Rainwater Harvesting Systems (RWHS) in Indian Cricket Stadiums
Several stadiums, including Rajkot, Nagpur, Pune, Indore, and Mumbai’s three venues, have installed RWHS for irrigation purposes. However, the NGT wants clarity on whether cricket associations still plan to use freshwater despite the ongoing water scarcity.
Currently, only Chennai and Dharamshala stadiums have a fully operational rainwater harvesting system.
“Respondents/cricket stadiums will also disclose whether, despite the scarcity of fresh water, they intend to continue using freshwater for ground irrigation. They must also provide the status of RWHS installed in the stadiums.”
With increasing concerns over water conservation, the NGT’s directive could impact how cricket stadiums manage their resources, ensuring that sustainable practices are prioritized.
