Following allegations that the Chinnaswamy Stadium has been utilising treated water supply for the IPL games, the NGT took suo motu cognizance of the matter.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has requested information from the Karnataka State Cricket Association and other authorities on the water usage at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the IPL matches in light of the existing water crisis in Bengaluru.
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) have also been ordered by the NGT to release data about the amount and source of water used at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stadium. By May 2, all parties have been requested to provide all pertinent information.
See Also: KSCA upbeat about resolving water situation for Bengaluru IPL matches
“We are reviewing the notification, and as a result, the stadium conforms with NGT guidelines. Thus, we are certain that the matches will go,” Shubendu Ghosh, the CEO of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), was cited by the Times of India.
Notably, after allegations surfaced that the Chinnaswamy Stadium has been utilising treated water supply for the IPL games, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu cognizance of the matter and started the process. Judge Prakash Shrivastava, the chair of the NGT, and expert member Dr. A. Senthil Vel have both filed the case.
Thus far, the M. Chinnaswamy stadium has played home to three IPL matches, with an average water use of about 75,000 litres each game. Notably, the city will play home to four matches on April 15, May 4, May 12, and May 18, respectively.
Officials from the KSCA dispute utilising potable water or groundwater for matches.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) requested purified water be sent to the stadium, and the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) reportedly granted their request, citing the Cubbon Park area nearby. These assertions have been reviewed by the NGT.
On the other hand, KSCA representatives have categorically denied utilising potable water or groundwater for maintenance duties including pitch and outfield upkeep. In the meanwhile, gardening and car washing are among the non-essential uses of drinkable water that are strictly prohibited by the Karnataka government.
