India houses world's largest number of poor in terms of economics. There is no standardized method to estimate prevalence of intellectual bankruptcy. I am sure, if we can devise any methodology to estimate it, it will not be less than economic poverty in India. Many examples to substantiate my claim can be given, the latest being shifting out IPL out of Maharashtra due to "drought" in Marathwada.
I am as concerned and as sensitive with respect to drought as any responsible citizen should be. But dictating a sporting event to be shifted out of a state that too at the last moment is not justified on any ground. It seems media hype and communist activism played on the mind of hon. judge pronouncing such judgment. We should ask two questions to ourselves before slamming IPL. First, is IPL responsible for chronic water scarcity? Second, will shifting IPL out help to tackle this crisis? Answers to both the questions are no. Then it is beyond common sense that IPL has been targeted.
On the contrary IPL could have been utilized as a tool to fight the current crisis. It needs optimistic attitude and innovative mind, which is as scarce in Indian system as water in Marathwada. First concern is whether potable water is used to prepare the pitches. This should not be dilemma for any administration. Maharashtra government could have shown some intellect and submitted that no potable water to be provided for preparation of pitches. Sewage treated water is good enough for preparing pitches. Indian premier league is not charitable event. Therefore, IPL administration could have been made to pay for this water. And thus Maharashtra government could have earned revenue by supplying sewage treated water. Now considering the fact that this sewage treated water can not be supplied to Marathwada, it will get evaporated partially and let into Arabian sea substantially. Blindly banning IPL matches in Maharashtra, an opportunity has been lost to generate revenue.
Now, since IPL is less of sporting activity and more of entertainment (considering match fixing, spot fixing, short boundaries and flat pitches), entertainment tax is another option of revenue generation. A portion of such revenue can be earmarked as relief package for the most affected village.
Since various corporate groups are involved in this mega "Sportainment" event, corporate social responsibility could have been imposed on various franchises for building water reservoirs in drought affected regions.
I would like to ask hon court and various "(senti)mental" activists, how can banning IPL in Maharashtra help to tackle drought issue? What is your next target? My bathroom? Is HC going to restrict number of baths a person should take? because successive governments have failed to find out sustainable solution to problem of water scarcity.
I am as concerned and as sensitive with respect to drought as any responsible citizen should be. But dictating a sporting event to be shifted out of a state that too at the last moment is not justified on any ground. It seems media hype and communist activism played on the mind of hon. judge pronouncing such judgment. We should ask two questions to ourselves before slamming IPL. First, is IPL responsible for chronic water scarcity? Second, will shifting IPL out help to tackle this crisis? Answers to both the questions are no. Then it is beyond common sense that IPL has been targeted.
On the contrary IPL could have been utilized as a tool to fight the current crisis. It needs optimistic attitude and innovative mind, which is as scarce in Indian system as water in Marathwada. First concern is whether potable water is used to prepare the pitches. This should not be dilemma for any administration. Maharashtra government could have shown some intellect and submitted that no potable water to be provided for preparation of pitches. Sewage treated water is good enough for preparing pitches. Indian premier league is not charitable event. Therefore, IPL administration could have been made to pay for this water. And thus Maharashtra government could have earned revenue by supplying sewage treated water. Now considering the fact that this sewage treated water can not be supplied to Marathwada, it will get evaporated partially and let into Arabian sea substantially. Blindly banning IPL matches in Maharashtra, an opportunity has been lost to generate revenue.
Now, since IPL is less of sporting activity and more of entertainment (considering match fixing, spot fixing, short boundaries and flat pitches), entertainment tax is another option of revenue generation. A portion of such revenue can be earmarked as relief package for the most affected village.
Since various corporate groups are involved in this mega "Sportainment" event, corporate social responsibility could have been imposed on various franchises for building water reservoirs in drought affected regions.
I would like to ask hon court and various "(senti)mental" activists, how can banning IPL in Maharashtra help to tackle drought issue? What is your next target? My bathroom? Is HC going to restrict number of baths a person should take? because successive governments have failed to find out sustainable solution to problem of water scarcity.
