United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is in talks with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to promote ‘green cricketing’ by implementing the 3R concept (reduce, reuse, recycle) at stadiums across the country.
UNEP and BCCI plan to formulate a three-year framework to be implemented in cricket matches of all formats.
A tripartite agreement has been signed between Union environment ministry, UNEP and BCCI to usher in the process, Atul Bagai, head of UN Environment Country Office in India told TOI.
“Cricket in India is a religion and IPL, which is viewed widely across the world, can help in spreading awareness about environment and minimizing waste generation during matches,” Bagai said.
On an average, about 3-4.5 tons of waste is generated during matches in the form of plastic bottles, disposables, caps, posters and placards. The IPL matches at Bangalore and Kolkata were zero-waste matches.
Bagai said, “UNEP’s approach is to make sports green and in India we are starting with IPL because it is very popular and will be an effective tool to sensitize people. We will help them conduct waste audits and plan environment friendly matches.”
The authorities of Oval cricket ground last month pledged to make it plastic-free in three years. The International Olympic Committee has joined UNEP’s campaign and drafted a framework to minimize plastic usage by the time Tokyo Olympics kicks off.
Article Source: Times of India