Sporting events suspended at three cricket stadiums, including SMS:Cites environmental rule violations; next hearing on 17 August

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has passed a significant interim order affecting three of India’s prominent cricket stadiums, including Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Stadium. Citing alleged non-compliance with environmental regulations, the Tribunal has temporarily prohibited all sporting activities at the stadiums. The order applies to Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and Dr D.Y. Patil Stadium in Mumbai. The NGT said no cricket matches or any other sporting events can be held at these venues until the next hearing on 17 August or unless the Tribunal grants special permission. The interim order takes immediate effect. Tribunal cites repeated failure to comply In its order, the Tribunal said the stadium authorities had been issued several notices in the past. Those notices sought information and responses regarding compliance with earlier environmental directives. However, despite being given multiple opportunities, the authorities failed to provide a satisfactory response. Expressing dissatisfaction with this continued non-compliance, the NGT decided to impose the interim ban. Environmental compliance mandatory The Tribunal had previously directed the stadium authorities to reduce their use of groundwater, use treated water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for ground maintenance and irrigation, and establish effective rainwater harvesting systems. The objective was to promote water conservation at large sports complexes and reduce dependence on groundwater resources. The NGT observed that all institutions are required to comply with its environmental protection orders. It added that where an institution fails to comply with its directions or does not submit a compliance report within the stipulated time, the Tribunal is empowered to issue appropriate interim orders. Next hearing scheduled for 17 August The matter will next be heard on 17 August. By then, the management of the three stadiums will be required to present their responses before the Tribunal and explain the extent to which they have complied with the environmental directives. A final decision on whether the ban on sporting activities should continue will be taken after considering their submissions.