The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken cognizance of the water crisis in Bengaluru, issuing a notice to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and other relevant authorities based on a media report titled “Bengaluru stadium to get treated water supply for IPL matches amid crisis”.
The Tribunal has also included the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate of Bengaluru, and the Secretary of the Karnataka State Cricket Association as parties in the matter, seeking their responses.
In an order dated April 1, 2024, the NGT bench, led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, directed the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board to furnish a detailed report disclosing the quantity and source of water being used at the stadium, along with the quality of treated water supplied.
It was highlighted that the stadium is also utilizing groundwater resources.
The news item prompting this action indicates that treated water is being supplied to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 matches amidst the prevailing water crisis.
According to the report, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, at the request of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, has permitted the supply of treated water from the Cubbon Park Wastewater Treatment Plant to the stadium.
The news further reveals that approximately 75,000 liters of water per day are required at the stadium during matches, while Bengaluru is facing a shortage of 500 million liters of water per day against its actual requirement of 2,600 MLD. Additionally, out of the 14,000 borewells in the city, 6,900 have dried up, and the KWSSB has imposed restrictions on the use of drinking water for various purposes in Bengaluru. However, such a substantial quantity of water is permitted for use in the stadium for match purposes, as stated in the Tribunal’s order.
