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Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding regulation of ground water extraction for maintenance of cricket playgrounds, 28/03/2023

  • 28/03/2023

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Haider Ali Vs Union of India & Others dated 28/03/2023.

The matter related to regulation of ground water extraction for maintenance of cricket playgrounds. Grievance in the application is against failure of the Ministry of Jal Shakti to comply with the directions of the NGT dated April 15, 2021.

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

The court, April 15, 2021 had directed Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti to hold a joint meeting with nominees of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, representative of BCCI and the CPCB to consider prohibiting use of groundwater for maintenance of playgrounds, when the matches was not being played and instead utilize STP treated water, ensure rain water harvesting in all playgrounds and engage expert for every cricket stadium and use sport events for awareness of environment protection.

The NGT directed the Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti to file a status report in the matter within two months.