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NGT Issues Show Cause Notices to Six Cricket Stadiums for Non-Compliance with Water Conservation Directions
April 16, 2026 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued show cause notices to six major cricket stadiums across the country for failing to comply with its directions on disclosure of water usage and adoption of sustainable water management practices. The Tribunal cautioned that continued non-compliance may lead to suspension of their operations.
The Bench comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava along with Expert Members Dr. A. Senthil Vel and Dr. Afroz Ahmad was hearing an execution application seeking enforcement of its earlier order dated 15 April 2021, which addressed the issue of groundwater use in cricket stadiums.
The proceedings arise from concerns that cricket grounds continue to rely on groundwater for maintenance without adopting alternatives such as treated water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) or implementing rainwater harvesting systems. In its earlier directions, the Tribunal had emphasised that potable groundwater must be conserved and that sports facilities should shift towards sustainable water sources, including STP-treated water and rainwater storage mechanisms.
During the hearing, the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) submitted a report dated 15 April 2026 compiling responses from various stadiums regarding their sources of water. The report revealed that several stadiums had failed to furnish the required information despite repeated directions. While one stadium sought additional time to file its response, six stadiums neither responded nor appeared before the Tribunal.
The six stadiums issued notices are:
- Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
- Dr. DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai
- Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
The Tribunal noted that these entities were duly served and had also been sent emails on 27 March 2026 and 7 April 2026 requiring submission of compliance reports, yet failed to respond.
Taking serious note of this continued non-compliance, the NGT directed the stadiums to explain why their activities should not be halted for failure to comply with its orders and for not disclosing the source of water used. It also directed the CGWA to communicate the order to the concerned stadiums to ensure compliance.
The Tribunal further recorded submissions on behalf of the applicant seeking complete stoppage of activities in defaulting stadiums, indicating that stricter action may follow if compliance is not ensured.
The matter is now listed for further consideration on 2 July 2026.
Cause Title: Haider Ali v. Union of India & Ors.
Case No.: Execution Application No. 41/2023 in OA No. 94/2021 with OA No. 348/2024
