NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a reply from the Union ministry of water resources and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over charges that hundreds of thousands of litres of water are wasted during the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is held during the driest and hottest part of the year (April-May) in the country.
The NGT has directed all parties to file their replies within two weeks. The matter will be heard on April 28, PTI reports. The NGT notice highlights that a plea for banning the IPL during these months has been made.
A bench headed by Justice Jawad Rahim issued notices to the ministry of water resources, the BCCI and the nine states where these matches are proposed to be held.
The parties have been directed to file their replies within two weeks and the matter has been posted for next hearing on April 28.
The tribunal’s order came on a plea filed by Alwar-based youth Haidar Ali seeking action against all concerned for wasting enormous amounts of water to prepare the pitches for holding the tournament.
“Direct the authorities to stop holding the cash-rich tournament for commercial purpose which would be played at nine venues commencing April 7,” the plea states.
The petition, filed through advocates Braham Singh and Rohit Vidhudi, contended there is rampant misuse of the water by some individuals, organisations and societies while on the other hand a major part of the country was suffering from the problem of water scarcity.
“The 11th edition of IPL will be played at nine venues across 51 days and lakhs of litres of water is to be used for preparing pitches and in the stadium for playing 60 matches which would adversely affect the ground water level, ecosystem and the ecology of the country,” the petition avers.
