A Greener IPL

For those of you who don't know what the IPL is - The Indian Premier League, sponsored by DLF (a builder in India), is one of India’s most exciting sports events where thousands of fans cheer on their favorite cricket team. Everyone loves the feeling of sitting in the stands, the thrill of the tumbling hit of a 4 and the big 6 that appears on the viewing screen makes you tingle with excitement and joy. But try zooming out; take a look at the big picture. Comprehend beyond the pitch; see away from the shrieks from the fans. The IPL might look big and grand on the inside, but the overall image is not so pretty – for the environment.   Here are 5 examples of how to make a “Greener IPL”.

1.       As the car drops the fans off at the stadium, there is confusion, a mess, at the various gates. Some realize that they are at the wrong gate and start asking wildly for the gate number specified on their ticket. Some police officials are helpful, others are not. Many travel by car through the indefinite lanes, roads, and gullies that snake together to link around the stadium. And there we are! The first harm has been done to the environment, without the match even starting. Prolonged confusion turns into prolonged waits in the car. The car is being driven and the A/C is on; it is extremely hot and the atmosphere becomes humid and sticky quickly, due to the immense crowd that forms around. The engine is on for a longer time, releasing more unhealthy emissions. Air pollution: affecting not only the Earth, but the people as well.

Perhaps a more organized approach to the chaos, with a map on the ticket or stationed officials at every corner, would help. Fewer cars would be hurrying to and fro, along with smooth parking.

2.       Finally, the car reaches a place where it can be parked and left alone for the next few hours. Grand lighting is placed nearly every meter on the pathway towards the seats. Some bulbs are so small that they hardly make a shadow – proving useless as a part of the intricate lighting designs that they are used along with.

Why not take out the small, yellow lights and replace them with more energy efficient ones that helps fan walk to the entrance easily?  

3.       Some progress has been made among the mad rush of the bustling crowd and you stand near the security scans. Some stations are thoroughly checked, as the scanning of spectators through the big gray arches is made mandatory. Even binoculars are suspected as a camera or any other various devices. However, if you notice closely at the entrance levels of other gates, there is a very minimal security check. One guard looks over to make sure that you have the correct ticket and allows you to pass. The next glances at the blue piece of stiff card, and simply waves his hand. At the third stop, there is a security official who guides fans through the process of inserting their ticket into the machine, as it verifies it, and signals to move on. There are too many people behind, pushing and shoving trying to run as fast as possible, hoping that the game has not begun. People run through the security scanners that beep violently, blink and flash with a bright red color.

Not only is this a security issue, you realize that each of the 4 to 5 scanners in one gate alone is left running on all throughout the night, not being regarded at all. Versions of less energy consuming machines, as well as better usage might prove them a little bit more energy efficient.

4.       The Opening Ceremony was beautiful, with the colorful firework displays and invigorating lights. However, one must ask themselves if this is really necessary. Does the world need to see all of the energy wasted and harmful for the Earth that is put in right at the beginning of the show? The simple answer might be yes, but you, as an individual, among the many others (hopefully), reflect on the volume of carbon emissions released from the fireworks into the Earth’s atmosphere, slowly destroying the Ozone layer.

The lights show the program very clearly, but careful investigation might prove them to have very low efficiency, wasting lots of the power that was input initially. Reduce the fireworks and reuse the lights. There’s a simple solution!

5.       The last and final element of making the DLF Indian Premier League a greener national event lies in the power of the people. Everyone must contribute in creating a greener community. It is not only the government’s responsibility to place energy efficient lights, but the public’s responsibility to be aware, and realize the amount of energy lost, affecting the Earth and its people, on a long term basis.

We, the people, must contribute what we can to try to form an IPL that not only excites the Indian population, but also benefits nature and the world as a whole.