New Delhi: Central Groundwater Authority (CGWA) has informed National Green Tribunal (NGT) that seven cricket stadiums, including Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, were yet to share compliance data on the utilisation of groundwater and its recharge.In Jan, 12 cricket stadiums across the country did not share details of the same, with NGT subsequently imposing a fine of Rs 5,000 each. In its latest report, CGWA said while five stadiums had shared data, seven had not yet responded.“It is submitted that in compliance with directions of NGT, responses have only been received from five stadiums or cricket associations — namely Saurashtra Cricket Association, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, Green Park Stadium, Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association and Maharashtra Cricket Association,” stated the report. It added the details included data on monthly and yearly usage of the water for irrigating the ground, and the proportion of sewage treatment plant-treated water and fresh water.NGT is hearing a plea filed in 2021 against the use of groundwater for the maintenance of cricket playgrounds without availing the alternative of using STP-treated water and installing rainwater harvesting systems for storing and recharging groundwater. The plea raised the issue of cricket matches organised for commercial and entertainment purposes without concern for water conservation.
