NGT allows ISL matches at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium

The NGT was hearing a plea from city-based environmentalist Subhas Dutta, who moved the Tribunal alleging that the matches to be held at the Stadium could cause disturbance to the nearby ‘eco-sensitive zone’.

Atletico de Kolkata will play its home games at the Rabindra Sarobar stadium.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has allowed the home matches of Indian Super League side Atletico de Kolkata to be held at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium.

The NGT was hearing a plea from city-based environmentalist Subhas Dutta, who moved the Tribunal alleging that the matches to be held at the Stadium could cause disturbance to the nearby ‘eco-sensitive zone’ which is protected under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems.

The NGT observed that the ISL matches could be held on schedule on the condition that the organisers limit themselves to playing only the National Anthem and the theme song of the tournament. It also asked the West Bengal pollution control board and the Kolkata Improvement Trust to keep a vigil on any activity during the matches that could disturb the environment.

ATK opens its ISL campaign against defending champion Chennaiyin FC on October 2. The Rabindra Sarobar Stadium became the new venue of the ISL matches in the city after the usual venue, Salt Lake Stadium, was ruled out owing to renovation work for the FIFA under-17 World Cup next year.