NGT Seeks Status Report From MoJS On Groundwater Regulation For Cricket Playground

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) to provide a status report on the regulation of groundwater extraction for the maintenance of cricket playgrounds within two months.

The principal bench of NGT comprised of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel (Chairperson), Justice Sudhir Agarwal (Judicial Member) and Dr A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member).

An application was filed to express concern about the failure of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, to comply with the NGT’s directions in the case of Haider Ali vs. Union of India & Ors., dated 15.04.2021, which required the regulation of groundwater extraction for the maintenance of cricket playgrounds.

The Tribunal had directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) to convene a joint meeting with nominees from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, representatives from the BCCI, and representatives from the CPCB to consider prohibiting the use of groundwater for playground maintenance when no matches were being played. Instead, they were to use STP-treated water, install rainwater collection in all playgrounds, hire experts for each cricket stadium, and use sporting events to spread environmental consciousness.

The applicant stated that there is no reason for the Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) not to act in line with the Tribunal’s directions.

Failure to limit the use of groundwater for playgrounds is detrimental to access to potable water for drinking, particularly in drought-prone areas categorised as dark zones, according to the applicant.

In light of the foregoing, the Tribunal said, “we believe it is reasonable to direct the Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti to file a status report in the matter within two months.”

The matter is scheduled for hearing on 10^th August 2023.

What is the matter?

In 2021, an application was filed against the Union of India and others, stating concerns over the use of groundwater for cricket playground upkeep without the use of alternatives such as STP-treated water and rainfall harvesting devices for storing and recharging groundwater.

“There can be no argument with the concept that conservation of water is a dire need of the environment,” the Tribunal concluded after hearing the parties and examining recent rulings of the NGT and Supreme Court. “To save potable water for drinking, every effort must be made. Cricket or other similar grounds may be kept as far away as possible from the STP of good quality, free of pathogens and objectionable components. Rainwater collecting and storage may also be made possible.”

The NGT issued an order directing the Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti to convene a joint conference within one month to discuss concerns concerning the regulation of groundwater extraction for the maintenance of cricket playgrounds.