To promote water conservation and reuse, Bengaluru’s iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium will continue using treated wastewater for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) announced the initiative to address the city’s worsening water crisis.
Urgent Measures for Water Conservation
BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar emphasized the need for responsible water usage, highlighting that Bengaluru faces an increasing risk of water shortages. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have warned of potential water crises due to groundwater depletion. In response, BWSSB is taking proactive steps to promote the reuse of treated wastewater for non-potable purposes.
Daily Water Requirement for IPL
The IPL, one of the world’s most-watched cricket tournaments, attracts massive crowds, putting additional strain on urban infrastructure. Chinnaswamy Stadium requires approximately 75,000 liters of water daily during the tournament, sourced from the Cubbon Park Waste Water Treatment Plant. This arrangement, made at the request of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), has been in place since last year.
Political Reactions and Broader Solutions
The decision has sparked political reactions, with opposition leaders calling for broader solutions to Bengaluru’s water crisis. BJP MLA Dr. Bharath Shetty commented on the need for comprehensive efforts to address the city’s water needs, referencing recent remarks by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
With summer approaching, Bengaluru’s water crisis remains a pressing concern. The reuse of treated wastewater at Chinnaswamy Stadium is a positive step, but more extensive measures are needed to tackle the city’s larger water challenges.
