Indian stadiums in breach of water usage rules

More than 20 major stadiums in India, including Eden Gardens in Kolkata, have been found to be in breach of regulations relating to water usage.

According to the Economic Times, a recent survey conducted by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which has responsibility for water usage, has uncovered prohibited practices involving groundwater extraction in stadiums across the nation. A study of 26 venues found that 20 were utilising tube wells or borewells to draw groundwater for irrigation purposes, which is a violation of established regulations.

Management at the 20 venues have been instructed to adhere to regulations introduced in 2021 that encompass the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems and the utilisation of treated water from sewage treatment plants.

Notable cricket venues such as the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, and Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi are among those that have been ordered to meet national standards.

The inspections were conducted by a team comprising representatives from both the Central Groundwater Authority and state governments.

After complaints concerning the use of groundwater in maintaining cricket grounds without the implementation of sewage treatment plant-treated water or rainwater harvesting systems in 2021, the Central Ground Water Authority issued a public notice mandating the installation of rainwater harvesting structures in stadiums, cricket grounds, and other sporting venues. These venues were subsequently directed to utilize treated water or establish sewage treatment plants.