New Delhi: For the ‘World Cultural Festival’ organized by the Art of Living Foundation of the Sri Sri Ravi Shankar- Yoga Guru, to be held at banks of River- Yamuna (New Delhi), the National Green Tribunal- NGT has given its permission. It was seen that the National Green Tribunal has not alone accorded its permission for such festival, but it has also imposed a fine against the Art of Living Foundation of Yoga Guru which is of Five Crore rupees and also ordered to undo the damage done to the environment and river- Yamuna which is caused by the program.
The Tribunal commented by saying that the foundation would have to restore the ecology of the venue. Moreover, its set up Committee would also review the situation in the spot and submit the report by a month after the World Culture Festival for assessing the damage which would cause due to such program. The said National Green Tribunal which is presided by the Justice- Swatanter Kumar has commented that the DPCC is “incompetent” as it has failed in discharging its duty.
Moreover, in the decision of the NGT, it has stated that following the report of the study which it has ordered to be conducted for assessing the damage to the river’s flood plain after the event, and as such the fine may be increased manifold. Thus, the organizers are held liable for paying the restoration of the environment, and also for the damage to the water bodies, if any. The NGT’s four- member bench said that Foundation could also be asked to pay for setting up a biodiversity part in the area.
Moreover, in its comments in this relation, the NGT has also questioned the primary duty of the Environment Ministry. Moreover, it has further commented saying that, do such ministry is “believing that the Foundation has not done any damage to the environment?” Showing its concerns towards the environment, the NGT has also shouted to the effect that “all the authorities (government)” have found failed to “fulfil their duties”.
Adv. Faim Khalilkhan Pathan