The National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued notices on 16 April 2026 to six cricket stadiums in India over compliance with directions on groundwater use and environmental management. The matter concerns water use for cricket ground maintenance, groundwater recharge, and the submission of compliance data to the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
NGT and Environmental Jurisdiction
The NGT was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. It has jurisdiction over matters linked to the Water Act, 1974, the Air Act, 1981, the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
Groundwater Use in Sports Infrastructure
Groundwater is water stored in aquifers below the earth’s surface, and its extraction in India is regulated by the CGWA under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Cricket stadiums often require large volumes of water for pitch preparation, outfield maintenance, and dust control, and compliance norms may include treated wastewater use and rainwater harvesting systems.
Stadiums Named in the Notices
- Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi received a notice from the NGT for non-submission of required information.
- Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur received a notice for non-compliance with earlier directions.
- Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur received a notice for pending compliance data on groundwater utilisation.
- Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai received a notice after repeated reminders from the CGWA.
- Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow received a notice for failure to furnish compliance details.
- Barabati Stadium in Cuttack received a notice in the same compliance matter.
Related Compliance Proceedings
The CGWA informed the tribunal that seven stadiums had not submitted data on groundwater utilisation and recharge despite repeated reminders. Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium submitted the required information by 16 April 2026, leaving six stadiums in the non-compliant category.
Earlier Tribunal Action
In January 2026, the NGT imposed a fine of ₹5,000 each on Arun Jaitley Stadium and 11 other stadiums for not providing details of water usage to the CGWA. The present plea was filed in 2021 against the use of groundwater for cricket ground maintenance without treated wastewater or rainwater harvesting systems.
Last Modified: April 24, 2026