MCA gaurantees HC they will not use potable water for ground maintenance during IPL

In 2016, the NGO Loksatta Movement had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the IPL matches scheduled in Mumbai and some other cities in Maharashtra that year because of the drought-like situation in the state. Following the high court order, the matches were shifted out of the state and the PIL had also requested the court to make sure that in future IPL games they consider the state as well as the national water policy.

In additional development on the case, a hearing was conducted on January 24 where MCA’s counsel AS Khandeparkar told the HC that for watering the pitch, cleaning, and other maintenance work at the Wankhede stadium during the 2018 IPL games, the association will not use potable water, either purchased privately or provided by the BMC. Instead of that, they will only use conserved water from rainwater harvesting system and from its own 'ring wells' constructed at the stadium last year. 

Khandeparkar also stated that around 3,30,000 liters of water will be needed to fulfill the pitch requirements on each day of the IPL match. 

According to Maharashtra and the national water policy, the first priority must be given to drinking purposes when it comes to water supply followed by agriculture, industrial needs. Sports come in the fourth position and the last for religious and entertainment activities.

The bench picked February 28 for the final order on the matter.