NGT Issues Notice to K’taka Cricket Association Over Treated Water Use in IPL Amidst Water Crisis

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to the Karnataka State Cricket Association concerning the supply of treated water to M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches amidst the water scarcity.

The tribunal had initiated suo motu (on its own) cognisance of a media report alleging that the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), at the behest of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), has granted permission for the supply of treated water to the stadium.

A bench led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava observed that, according to the report, three matches are slated in Bengaluru, necessitating approximately 75,000 litres of water per day at the stadium during the matches.

The bench also comprising expert member A Senthil Vel also observed that the report highlighted a water shortage of approximately 500 million litres per day (MLD) in Karnataka’s state capital.

Despite the Karnataka Water Supply and Sewerage Board (KWSSB) prohibiting the use of drinking water for car washing, gardening, construction, and maintenance work, the board allowed the usage of such a significant quantity of water in the stadium for hosting matches, noted the bench.

“The news item raises a substantial issue relating to compliance with environmental norms,” stated the tribunal.

In an earlier order issued on Monday, the tribunal included authorities such as the member secretary of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, BWSSB chairman, KSCA secretary, Bengaluru deputy commissioner and district magistrate, Bengaluru, as parties or respondents. Noting that all counsels for the authorities, except KSCA, requested four weeks to file their replies, the tribunal served notice to the association’s secretary.

It was mentioned that the counsels failed to provide any details regarding the use of groundwater in the stadium. “Hence, BWSSB through its chairman is directed to file a detailed report disclosing complete details of the quantity and source of water being used in the concerned stadium and also the quality of treated water supplied,” stated the green panel.

“Let the same be filed at least one week before the next date of hearing (on May 2),” it added.