![Ekana Stadium in Lucknow during IPL. [Source - AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776959733888_EkanaStadiuminLucknowduringIPL.jpg?type=hq)
Ekana Stadium in Lucknow during IPL. [Source - AP]
As the IPL 2026 season approaches the end of its first half, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to several major cricket stadiums across India over concerns of excessive water usage and poor compliance with environmental guidelines.
The move has brought attention to how cricket venues manage resources, especially water, which is crucial for maintaining pitches and outfields. With IPL 2026 matches underway, the issue has gained even more importance among fans, authorities, and environmental bodies.
NGT Cracks Down on IPL Stadiums Over Water Usage Violations
Following concerns over environmental compliance, NGT has issued notices to several cricket stadiums for not properly following rules on water usage and groundwater control while maintaining cricket grounds across India during recent matches, raising serious environmental concerns.
The tribunal reviewed its 2021 order, which directed state associations to reduce groundwater use and adopt rainwater harvesting systems. These measures were intended to ensure that maintaining large stadiums does not put extra pressure on already limited water resources in different regions of the country.
RCB's Home Ground Amongst Stadiums Under Scrutiny for Water Usage Non-Compliance
Several well-known cricket venues are now under scrutiny for not following the tribunal’s directions properly. This has raised concerns about how stadiums manage water during the busy IPL season, when regular maintenance demands significant and consistent water usage.
Stadiums under NGT notice
- Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
- Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
- Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
- Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
Out of these stadiums, several are directly related to IPL 2026 teams, including home venues for franchises such as Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB (Raipur) and Lucknow Super Giants, making the notice significant.
The stadium associations have now been asked to explain their actions and submit clear data on water usage. If they fail to respond satisfactorily, the NGT may take strict action against them for non-compliance with environmental guidelines.
All activities, including IPL 2026 matches, could be stopped. This could directly affect schedules and create challenges for teams, organizers, and fans across different host cities, potentially disrupting the smooth conduct of one of India’s biggest sporting tournaments.
Also Read: Will Virat Kohli Play vs Gujarat Titans In Today’s IPL Match? Latest Update
Some Stadiums Follow Rules, Others Lag Behind
While some cricket associations are yet to adopt sustainable practices, others have taken proactive steps to comply with environmental regulations. Their efforts highlight the increasing importance of eco-friendly practices in managing large sporting venues across India.
These actions show that large stadiums, despite requiring significant resources to maintain international-level conditions, can manage water responsibly. With proper planning and investment, stadiums can reduce groundwater dependence while maintaining high-quality playing surfaces.
The Saurashtra Cricket Association's use of treated water and the Maharashtra Cricket Association’s rainwater harvesting initiative in Pune highlight successful compliance. These initiatives underscore the gap between responsible and non-compliant bodies.
Also Read: Mitchell Santner Ruled Out Of IPL 2026? MI All-Rounder Walks Out With Injury vs CSK Match
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