Archive · 1 Feb 2026
NGT fines 12 cricket stadia for groundwater use
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has fined 12 cricket stadiums in India for not telling them how much groundwater they use to water the cricket fields.
The NGT said these stadiums should use treated water from nearby plants instead of fresh groundwater.
One stadium, IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, was using a lot of groundwater (6,000 kiloliters per month) without using any treated water.
The NGT wants these stadiums to explain what they are doing to stop using so much groundwater.
They have to give their explanation within six weeks.
The next hearing is on April 16.
NGT fined 12 cricket stadia Rs 5,000 each for not submitting groundwater use details to CGWA.
IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali uses 6,000 KLM of groundwater monthly without an STP.
NGT rejected the stadium's claim that treated water is unavailable, citing nearby STPs.
Other stadiums like Jamtha, Nagpur, Eden Gardens, and more were also using groundwater.
The matter is posted for further proceedings on April 16, with affected parties to respond within six weeks.
- Who
- National Green Tribunal (NGT) and 12 cricket stadia across India
- What
- NGT imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each on 12 cricket stadia for not providing details on groundwater use
- When
- The order was dated January 22, with the next hearing on April 16
- Where
- The NGT hearing took place in New Delhi, involving stadia across India
- Why
- The stadia failed to submit replies to the Central Ground Water Authority regarding groundwater use for irrigation
- Fine Amount
- Rs 5,000 each
- Number of Stadia Fined
- 12
- Groundwater Usage at IS Bindra Stadium
- 6,000 Kilo Litres per Month
- Next Hearing Date
- April 16
- Time to Respond
- 6 weeks
- NGT Chairperson
- Prakash Shrivastava
- NGT Expert Member
- A Senthil Vel
