NEW DELHI: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday made it clear that his government will not provide potable water for IPL matches in the state.
"Our government has taken a strong position in the court. Even if IPL matches are shifted, we have no problem," Fadnavis said on Friday making his government's stand clear on the issue of wastage of water for maintaining pitches.
on Thursday, Bombay high court had come down heavily on the state government questioning its seriousness in tackling the drought situation in the state.
"You (state) are dealing with people at large.... animals have died, cattle have died, people are dying and you want to maintain pitches and grounds?," the court had asked.
However, the court had given the nod for the IPL opening match on April 9.
The court ruling came on a public interest litigation challenging use of large quantity of water for maintaining pitches despite the grave water crisis in Maharashtra due to drought.
The PIL, filed by Loksatta Movement, sought moving out 20 IPL matches scheduled in Maharashtra, including Mumbai and other cities, in view of the water crisis.
Altogether 20 matches will be played in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur and all these cities are facing grim water crisis, said the petition.
On two consecutive days, the high court had come down heavily on the state government, IPL organiser Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) and other cricket associations for "criminal wastage of water".
I think Cm of Maharashtra is right here. We dont have water to drink in here, cant afford to waste them for pitches!! Maharashtra is facing worst of droughts and these steps are mandatory!!
The court had suggested for the IPL matches to be shifted to a state where water is in abundance and had asked "is your cricket match more important than people".
The court was informed by the BCCI that they purchase water to maintain the grounds and it is non-potable and cannot be used for drinking purposes.
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