Cuttack: Barabati cricket stadium in Cuttack is among six stadiums across India to receive a show-cause notice from National Green Tribunal (NGT) for alleged misuse of groundwater and non-compliance with earlier directions on sustainable water use.Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) secretary Sanjay Behera said the association would seek time to file its response before the tribunal. “We will ask for more time and respond,” he said.Apart from the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, notices have been issued to Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow over allegations that groundwater is being used for pitch and ground maintenance at these places without mandatory approvals.The action follows complaints that the stadiums failed to obtain no-objection certificates for borewell use and did not adopt sustainable alternatives such as rainwater harvesting or use of treated water from sewage treatment plants.Warning of strict consequences, the tribunal said continued non-compliance could lead to suspension of sporting activities at the affected venues.An NGT bench, comprising chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert members A Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad, observed in an April 16 order that seven stadiums initially failed to submit replies despite repeated directions.
During the proceedings, counsel for the Hyderabad stadium sought time to comply, while the remaining six failed to appear or file responses.“…a notice is issued to the six stadiums to explain why all their activities should not be stopped,” the bench said, directing Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) to convey the order. The matter is scheduled for next hearing on July 2.The tribunal has also asked the stadium authorities to furnish details to CGWA, which is compiling information on water extraction and usage patterns at cricketing venues.Behera said the OCA remains committed to ensuring that all operations are carried out in compliance with regulatory guidelines while maintaining the quality and safety standards expected of a premier sporting venue.The proceedings stem from a long-running case, in which the tribunal has repeatedly flagged the absence of eco-friendly water management systems in sports infrastructure. It earlier directed authorities to ensure regulated groundwater use and shift towards sustainable practices, including reliance on treated wastewater.Officials pointed out that unregulated withdrawal of groundwater for non-essential purposes, particularly during peak summer months, could place severe stress on potable water resources. The issue assumes significance at a time when several cities are grappling with water scarcity amid rising temperature.
