BMC told to clarify stand on special water supply for IPL

The BMC on Tuesday yet again apprised the Bombay High Court of its stand that it would not be making provision for any ‘special’ water supply for the Indian Premier League.

The division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Riyaz Chagla, however, detected an ‘inconsistency’ in the BMC’s claim and accordingly directed it to clarify its stand by filing an affidavit – that is whether or not it would make water specially available to Wankhede stadium, which would host a few IPL matches.

The inconsistency stems from the fact that the civic body had provided water for sanitation and other purposes during the tournament last year. Also, the BMC continues to maintain that it did not make provision for any special water supply.

SS Pakale, appearing for BMC, told the judges that the civic body has not been making any special provision for Wankhede stadium for the last three years.

Having heard the contentions, Justice Oka said, “Will you make a statement that you will not make provision for special supply of water to the stadium this year, too? If you propose to make such a statement, we suggest you spell this out on an affidavit.”

The judges have also asked the civic body to clarify whether it would be charging Wankhede stadium (for the water supply) at commercial rates or not?

The judges were hearing a PIL filed by Loksatta Movement highlighting the misuse of water, especially when the state is reeling under severe water scarcity.

The PIL sought directions to the Maharashtra government to implement the Water Policy, which contemplates equitable distribution of water on a priority basis with domestic users topping the list, followed by agriculture, industrial, commercial and so on. The advocate, appearing for the petitioner, urged the judges to direct the government to implement this policy in letter and spirit. He sought direction to the authorities restraining them from providing water to Wankhede stadium for the IPL game. “IPL does not come in the fourth category of recreational events and instead it must be placed in the last category, thus getting the least priority in water supply,” the advocate argued.