Nikhil Thamman, a final-year law student at UILS Panjab University, has filed a PIL at the Punjab and Haryana High Court to halt matches held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur.
The stadium, spanning 41 acres with a seating capacity of 33,000, was established in 2021. It was designated as the new home venue for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, replacing their previous home ground at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.
The stadium hosted its inaugural IPL match during the opening weekend of IPL 2024 when the Punjab Kings (PBKS) faced off against the Delhi Capitals (DC).
As the stadium prepares to host additional matches in the upcoming weeks, the PIL alleges that it was built without adhering to the proper environmental guidelines, as reported by Bar and Bench.
Additionally, the petitioner described the entire construction as ‘unauthorized’, asserting that the venue violates the Environment Impact Assessment Notification of 2006 issued by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.
The breach occurred because the authorities failed to secure environmental clearance from the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) as per a directive from the Supreme Court. The stadium is situated just 10 kilometers away from a bird sanctuary in Chandigarh.
“As of now, no eco-sensitive zone has been declared around the two wildlife sanctuaries of the UT Chandigarh. Therefore, all projects falling within the 10 km radius of the boundary of two bird sanctuaries –– Chandigarh City Bird Sanctuary in Sector 21 and Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary –– were required to seek the environment clearance,” the petitioner wrote.
Additionally, the authorities failed to secure the necessary wildlife and forest clearance from the Department of Forest and Wildlife in Chandigarh before commencing construction of the Mullanpur venue.
In addition to demanding an immediate halt to IPL activities at the venue, the petitioner has called for stringent action against the authorities responsible for the lack of required clearances for the construction, as well as those who permitted its construction without such approvals.
“I urge all the fans to fill up the stands to the brim once again” -Sanjay Bangar comments on PBKS’ forthcoming match in Mullanpur against SRH
Sanjay Bangar, PBKS’ head of cricket development, expressed the desire for full stands in Mullanpur to rally behind their team as they aim to secure consecutive wins and build momentum halfway through the season.
“We are always aware that our fans want the best from us at all times. Whenever we are playing at home, our fans always have it in them to be the loudest and their constant support always inspires us to leave no stone unturned to get the desired results.”
“So, I urge all the fans to fill up the stands to the brim once again on Tuesday, and help us add another win to our results and maintain our 100 per cent home record,” Bangar told PBKS’ website.
PBKS will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Mullanpur on Tuesday, April 9th.
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