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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Jal Shakti Ministry to submit a report within two months on the use of groundwater for cricket pitch maintenance.
NGT orders Jal Shakti to report on groundwater use
The directive was issued on March 28, 2023, following an application filed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on April 15, 2021, against non-compliance with NGT instructions.
The NGT had directed the Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, to hold a joint meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, the Cricket Control Board of India (BCCI) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The court had suggested stopping the use of groundwater for the maintenance of sports fields when games were not being played. Instead, the court proposed the use of treated water from wastewater treatment plants (STPs).
Furthermore, the court had urged the implementation of rainwater harvesting at all sports grounds and the appointment of environmental experts to each cricket stadium. The court also recommended that sporting events be used to raise awareness of environmental conservation.
The applicant alleged that the use of groundwater for playgrounds in drought-prone areas is exacerbating the water crisis. The NGT had suspended his order, but the applicant recently argued that the suspension does not apply in this case and that the Secretary of the Jal Shakti Ministry should act by the court orders.
The applicant claimed that failure to prevent the use of groundwater for sports fields was detrimental to access to potable water, particularly in drought-prone areas classified as dark zones. The court will hear the matter on August 10.
The use of groundwater for sports field maintenance has been a contentious issue, particularly in drought-prone areas where water scarcity is already a major problem.
How much water is used on cricket grounds?
The water consumption required to maintain a cricket pitch is substantial, with an estimated 15,000-20,000 liters of water required per day.
In 2016, the Chinnasamy Stadium in Bangalore was using a staggering 70,000 liters of water per day, with 50,000-55,000 liters coming from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), despite having four wells. and a wastewater treatment plant.
Assuming that 18,000 liters of water are required per day to irrigate the pitch and field, the average amount of water required to irrigate the pitch and field per year is calculated as follows:
18,000 liters/day x 365 days/year = 6,570,000 liters or 65.7 lakh liters.
NGT's guidelines for sustainable sports grounds
The NGT guidelines seek to minimize the use of groundwater and promote the use of recycled water from WWTPs. Rainwater harvesting is also considered an effective way to conserve water and recharge groundwater.
The appointment of environmental experts to cricket stadiums is a positive step, as it highlights the importance of environmental conservation and the need to reduce the carbon footprint of sporting events.
The NGT's decision to seek a report from the Jal Shakti Ministry underscores the court's commitment to addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainable development. It also underlines the need for all stakeholders to work together to find solutions to environmental problems.
The NGT orders are a step in the right direction and serve as a reminder that conserving the environment is everyone's responsibility.
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