New Delhi, July 11: In a significant move aimed at promoting sustainable water management, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed interim restrictions on sports activities at three major cricket stadiums across the country after they allegedly failed to comply with directives related to groundwater usage and water conservation.
The tribunal ordered that Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, and Dr D Y Patil Stadium in Mumbai will not be permitted to conduct any sporting events without prior approval from the NGT until further orders.
The interim directive comes amid an ongoing case examining whether cricket stadiums are relying on groundwater for maintaining pitches and outfields instead of using treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants (STPs). The tribunal is also reviewing whether adequate rainwater harvesting systems have been installed to support groundwater recharge and sustainable water management.
The order was passed by an NGT bench headed by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava along with expert member Afroz Ahmad. The bench observed that despite receiving multiple notices from both the tribunal and the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), the three stadiums had failed to submit any response explaining their compliance with groundwater regulations.
According to the tribunal, the issue assumes greater importance in view of the recurring water shortages being experienced in several parts of India. It noted that institutions managing large sporting venues are expected to adopt responsible water conservation practices and comply with environmental norms designed to protect valuable groundwater resources.
The matter originated from concerns that several cricket stadiums were allegedly using freshwater or groundwater to maintain playing surfaces instead of recycled water produced through sewage treatment plants. Environmental advocates argued that such practices could place unnecessary pressure on already stressed groundwater reserves, especially during periods of water scarcity.
Earlier this year, the tribunal had issued notices to six prominent cricket stadiums across India, directing them to disclose the source of water used for maintaining their pitches and grounds. They were also asked to explain whether rainwater harvesting infrastructure had been installed to recharge groundwater.
The six stadiums brought under scrutiny included Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Dr D Y Patil Stadium in Mumbai, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, and Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
During the latest hearing, the tribunal was informed that the Barabati Stadium had requested additional time to submit its response, while authorities representing the Lucknow stadium had already filed their reply. The Arun Jaitley Stadium had also submitted its response, following which the Central Ground Water Authority sought certain additional clarifications.
However, legal representatives appearing on behalf of the applicant informed the tribunal that the remaining three stadiums had not responded despite repeated communications. They pointed out that even after costs were imposed for non-compliance, no explanation had been submitted before the tribunal.
The counsel representing the Central Ground Water Authority also confirmed that repeated notices had been served to the concerned stadium authorities, but no formal replies had been received.
Expressing concern over the lack of cooperation, the tribunal observed that organisations managing large sports facilities should demonstrate greater environmental responsibility, particularly when the country continues to face growing challenges related to groundwater depletion.
The bench stated that it had expected the concerned stadiums to respond promptly and initiate corrective measures instead of ignoring repeated directions from both the regulatory authority and the tribunal.
Considering the seriousness of the matter, the NGT decided to issue an interim restraint preventing the three stadiums from conducting any sporting activity unless specific permission is obtained from the tribunal.
The order is expected to have immediate implications for any scheduled sporting events at the affected venues until compliance issues are addressed or further directions are issued by the tribunal.
The proceedings also highlight increasing judicial scrutiny over the use of freshwater resources by large public and private institutions. Environmental experts have consistently advocated the use of treated wastewater for maintaining sports infrastructure wherever feasible, alongside mandatory rainwater harvesting systems to reduce dependence on groundwater.
The National Green Tribunal has repeatedly stressed that sustainable water management practices are essential as climate variability, rapid urbanisation and declining groundwater levels continue to intensify pressure on India’s water resources.
The case will now come up for further hearing on August 17, when the tribunal is expected to review the responses submitted by the concerned stadium authorities and assess whether additional directions or penalties are required.