Internet Desk: The inaugural match of IPL 9 will go ahead on the stipulated date i.e., on April 09 at Wankhede stadium despite water crisis in Maharashtra. The Bombay High Court on Thursday refused to stay the inaugural match between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Super Giants.
A division Bench headed by Justice VM Kanade passed the order after hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Loksatta Movement and others stated that as much as 60 lakh litres of water is proposed to be used for maintaining cricket pitches in the three venues that will host the IPL matches in Maharashtra.
The Bombay HC did not postpone the match, as the respondent (BCCI) has made all arrangements and the PIL itself was filed at a late stage.
Earlier, the High Court had reprimanded MCA for the many litres of water it will use to prepare pitches for the world’s richest cricket tournament at a time when large parts of the state are reeling under drought.The court has asked the government to give a detailed reply by April 12. It has also asked the BCCI to hold a meeting and take decision on other matches to be held in Maharashtra
“How can you waste water like this? Are people more important or IPL? How can you be so careless,” the court said while hearing a petition, and also, “This is criminal wastage. You know the situation in Maharashtra.”
The MCA, in their defence, argued that it purchases water for its use and also that this water is non-potable or water you cannot drink.
A total of 20 matches will be played in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. The final is also scheduled to be held at the Wankhede Stadium on May 29. The HC has now asked the government to inform them what they propose to do and the steps it plans to take in such a situation.