Cuttack: India's sporting arenas are under the scanner, with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issuing notices to six major stadiums including Cuttack's Barabati Stadium over alleged misuse of groundwater for pitch and ground maintenance.
The tribunal observed that groundwater was being tapped without mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs), in violation of conservation norms. Notices dated April 16 were served to Barabati Stadium, Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, Raipur's Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Navi Mumbai's Dr DY Patil Stadium, and Lucknow's Ekana Stadium.
The NGT has sought explanations from authorities on why operations should not be suspended. Petitioners argued that stadiums are ignoring treated water and rainwater harvesting, worsening drinking water scarcity.
Data presented to the tribunal revealed that of 26 stadiums nationwide, 24 have borewells but only four hold valid NOCs. The matter remains under consideration, with further action hinging on responses from stadium managements.
The notices have sparked debate on balancing India's cricketing calendar with urgent environmental compliance, putting the spotlight on how sport and sustainability must coexist.