National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued notices to six major cricket stadiums, including Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, for alleged misuse of groundwater in pitch and ground maintenance without mandatory clearances.
The tribunal acted on complaints that the stadiums used borewell water without obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOC) and failed to adopt rainwater harvesting or recycled water systems. Officials said the practice severely impacts potable water availability.
The six stadiums named in the notice are Barabati Stadium (Cuttack), Arun Jaitley Stadium (Delhi), Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium (Raipur), Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Jaipur), Dr DY Patil Stadium (Navi Mumbai), and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium (Lucknow).
NGT directed the stadiums to explain why their activities should not be suspended. The tribunal emphasised that water conservation guidelines must be followed strictly.
Applicants argued that all sporting activities at these stadiums should be halted until compliance is ensured. They claimed the facilities rely on groundwater for pitch upkeep, ignoring sustainable alternatives.
Reports indicated that out of 26 stadiums across India, 24 have borewells, but only four possess valid NOCs. The tribunal’s action highlights growing concerns about water misuse in sports infrastructure.
