NGT cricket stadium order has halted all sports activities at three major cricket venues, including Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium, after the National Green Tribunal found alleged non-compliance with its environmental directions.
The interim order will remain in force until the next hearing on August 17 unless the tribunal grants special permission.
The order covers Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur and Dr DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai.
The tribunal said no cricket match or any other sports event can be held at these venues until the next hearing on August 17, or unless special permission is granted by the NGT. The order takes immediate effect.
The NGT observed that the stadium authorities had received several notices seeking compliance with its earlier environmental directions. However, despite repeated opportunities, they failed to submit satisfactory compliance reports.
According to the tribunal, the interim order became necessary because of the continued lack of compliance with its environmental directives.
Earlier, the NGT had instructed the stadium authorities to reduce dependence on groundwater for maintaining playing fields. It also directed them to use treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) for irrigation and develop effective rainwater harvesting systems.
The tribunal said these measures are intended to promote water conservation at large sports facilities and reduce pressure on groundwater resources.
The NGT added that every institution is responsible for following environmental protection orders. If directions are ignored or compliance reports are not filed on time, the tribunal has the power to issue interim orders to ensure enforcement.
The matter will be heard again on August 17. During the hearing, the stadium authorities will have to explain the steps taken to comply with the tribunal’s directions. The NGT will then decide whether the restrictions should continue or be lifted.
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