NGT Directs Ministry Of Jal Shakti To File Status Report On Regulation Of Groundwater For Cricket Playground

The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), comprising Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel (Chairperson), Justice Sudhir Agarwal (Judicial Member), and Dr A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member), has directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) to file a status report within two months regarding the regulation of groundwater extraction for the maintenance of cricket playgrounds.

An application was filed raising concerns against the failure of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, to comply with the directions of the NGT dated 15.04.2021 in the case of Haider Ali vs. Union of India & Ors., which required the regulation of groundwater extraction for the maintenance of cricket playgrounds.

The Tribunal had directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) to hold a joint meeting with nominees from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, representatives of BCCI, and CPCB to consider prohibiting the use of groundwater for maintenance of playgrounds when matches were not being played. Instead, they were to utilize STP treated water, ensure rainwater harvesting in all playgrounds, engage experts for every cricket stadium, and use sports events to raise awareness of environmental protection.

The applicant submitted that there is no reason for the Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) not to take action in accordance with the orders of this Tribunal.

The failure to prevent usage of groundwater for playgrounds is to the detriment of access to potable water for drinking particularly in areas which are drought prone and are classified as dark zones, the applicant submitted.

In light of the above the Tribunal opined that, “we find it appropriate to direct the Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti to file a status report in the matter within two months.”

The matter will now be taken up on 10.08.2023.

Background

In 2021, an application was filed against the Union of India and others raising concerns about the usage of groundwater for the maintenance of cricket playgrounds without utilizing alternatives such as STP-treated water and rainwater harvesting systems for storing and recharging groundwater.

After hearing the parties and considering previous decisions of the NGT and Supreme Court, the Tribunal said that, “There can be no dispute with the proposition that conservation of water is a dire need of the environment. Every effort is required to save potable water for drinking. Cricket or other such grounds may be maintained, as far as possible, from the STP of high quality having no pathogens and offensive components. Also rain water harvesting and storage of such water may be ensured.”

The NGT passed an order directing the Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti to hold a joint meeting within one month and consider the issues related to regulating the extraction of groundwater for the maintenance of cricket playgrounds.

Case Title- Haider Ali v. UOI and others

Advocate for Applicant - Mr. Sanobar Ali

Click Here To Read/Download Order