Environmentalist Subhash Dutta questions the move by Bagan
Kolkata: Mohun Bagan on Monday appealed to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) eastern zone against the bar put on them on hosting I-League football tournament matches at the “ecologically sensitive” Rabindra Sarobar Stadium.
Bagan, who were supposed to play their first game against Churchill Brothers at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, were not permitted to do so by the NGT after a petition filed by environmental activist Subhash Dutta saying games held under floodlights could cause disturbance to the nearby ‘eco-sensitive zone’ which is protected under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems.
Subsequently, the green and maroon brigade had to move to Barasat where fellow rivals East Bengal are also playing their matches. The Salt Lake Stadium, both the clubs’ orginal venue, is undergoing renovation for the U-17 World Cup set to be hosted by India in October this year.
Stay Order on Mohun Bagan’s matches in I League at Rabindra Sarobar
Subhash Dutta is perplexed to hear Mohun Bagan’s move. According to Mr Dutta, “It is ridiculous to hear about such a move from Mohun Bagan. They cannot appeal against the order in the Green Tribunal. They have to go the Supreme Court if they have any desire to play at the Rabindra Sarobar.”