NGT asks KSCA to provide water usage details at M. Chinnaswamy stadium for IPL 2024

Amid the ongoing water crisis in Bengaluru, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked for information regarding the water usage at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the IPL matches from the Karnataka State Cricket Association and other authorities.

The NGT has also directed the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to divulge information regarding the volume and origin of the water being utilized at the home ground of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). All the parties have been asked the provide all the relevant details by May 2.

Also Read: KSCA optimistic about handling water crisis for IPL matches in Bengaluru

"We are studying the notice, and as such the stadium complies with the NGT norms. So, we are confident of going ahead with the matches," Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) CEO Shubendu Ghosh was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Notably, The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu cognizance of the matter after reports emerged stating that the Chinnaswamy Stadium has been using treated water supply for the IPL games and initiated the action. The case has been registered by NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Dr. A. Senthil Vel, an expert member.

The M. Chinnaswamy stadium has hosted three IPL matches so far and the water usage in all of these games has been around 75,000 litres. Notably, there are four matches scheduled to be hosted in the city on April 15, May 4, May 12 and May 18 respectively.

KSCA officials deny using either groundwater or potable water for matches

The NGT has considered claims which suggested that the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) allowed the provision of treated water to the stadium after a request from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), notably drawing from the nearby Cubbon Park area.

However, KSCA officials have openly denied using either groundwater or potable water for tasks such as pitch or outfield maintenance. Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has enforced a stringent ban on using potable water for non-essential purposes like gardening and vehicle washing.