No water, not a drop to drink, Bengaluru is in a severe water crisis. And that has prompted the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to ban even car washing, let alone wastage of water. In such circumstances, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is under pressure with IPL 2024 beginning in the city on March 25. However, the KSCA is confident that water crisis will have no effect on Royal Challengers Bangalore matches in the city.
“We are facing no crisis – at the moment that is. We have received the state government pertaining to water usage and we are in constant meetings about following the guidelines,” Shubendu Ghosh, KSCA CEO told PTI.
How is KSCA tackling water crisis?
Even though the entire city is facing a water crisis, KSCA is in a safer place. KSCA has an STP plant or Sewage Treatment Plant that helps in watering the pitch and outfield. The state board does not rely on groundwater. Hence, it can evade the Karnataka govt guidelines on water usage for IPL 2024.
“We are already using water from the STP plant for watering the outfield and pitch and other in-stadium purposes. We may require 10,000-15,000 litres of water for match purposes, and we are certain that it can be generated from the STP plant. There will be no need to use groundwater (for any watering purpose). Yes, we are having a closer look at the government’s new policy on water usage, but we are confident of meeting all the points in the order,” Shubendu Ghosh added.
Latest on IPL 2024
InsideSport earlier reported that KSCA is in a sticky spot with the Karnataka government banning the usage of water for gardening or car washing. KSCA called for a special meeting to address the matter ahead of IPL 2024
“There will be a meeting conducted on this issue. Until then, no statement can be given regarding that matter,” a KSCA official told InsideSport on Monday.
RCB will begin their campaign against CSK before playing three consecutive home matches on March 25, 29 & April 2.
RCB monitoring situation
With still two weeks to go for the matches, Royal Challengers Bangalore are monitoring the situation. RCB are also in touch with the KSCA on the water situation in IPL 2024 matches.
“We are aware of the situation and are in touch with the KSCA office-bearers. But we have another two weeks in hand before the first match here. So, we are confident of a smooth conduct of matches. The venue also complies with the norms of National Green Tribunal, so a system is already in place to tackle such scenarios,” an RCB official told PTI.
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