Experts, politicians welcome IPL order

Water experts and all party politicians have reacted positively to the decision by the Bombay high court to move IPL matches out of the state owing to severe drought situation. They have termed it as a “positive gesture” and said that the public sentiments should be honoured as lakhs of them have no daily water.

Water expert Dr Pradeep Purandare welcomed the decision by terming it a “symbolic gesture”. “Though volume of water used for IPL matches is less and will not solve the problems of drought-hit regions, the symbolic gesture is significant. It sends a good message among the people as a few lakhs are facing severe drought. Even in Australia, a few years ago, their Parliament had closed a water fountain while the country faced drought situation. Also, IPL indicates extravagant lifestyle and the decision is against it,” Dr Purandare said.

He also pointed out that the people who are facing the problems are unfortunately not well aware about the situation. “It is necessary to have focussed discussion on the drought. But it is sad that the youngsters in the drought-hit areas are more interested in cricket. The decision will at least make them aware about the issue and its gravity,” he added.

“We welcome the decision by the court to move the matches out. Even if potable water is not used to maintain the pitch, the public sentiments should be respected,” NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said.

BJP Mumbai secretary Vivekanand Gupta said cricket officials who are from state ought to have shown solidarity with the drought-hit people of Maharashtra. “It’s an order by the court for the people with the people. The BCCI- IPL required a court order to direct them to play (the matches) out of Maharashtra. It would have been better if they are on their own shifted the IPL matches,” Mr Gupta said.

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, “The government could have taken the decision much earlier. But it didn’t and then the court had to order to shift the matches outside the state. The people are facing severe water woes but the government is reluctant to resolve the issues. The court order is a slap on the government’s face. We hope that the government can now at least change its attitude,” Mr Sawant said.

When contacted, water expert Madhavrao Chitale refused to comment on the issue.