AoL fest damaged Yamuna floodplains: NGT
NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal on Thursday held the Art of Living Foundation “responsible” for damage to the Yamuna floodplains caused by the World Culture Festival in 2016. The foundation said it would appeal the order in the Supreme Court.
The tribunal, in its order, stated that the ₹5 crore fine, paid by the Art of Living Foundation last year, would be used for restoration, and that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) would be responsible for this.
An expert panel had earlier told the NGT that ₹42.02 crore would be required to restore the Yamuna floodplains, on part of which the World Culture Festival was held from March 11-13, 2016. The controversial case had pitted the influential foundation against environmental activists. The festival itself was supported by both the Union government and the Delhi government. Both PM Narendra Modi and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal attended the festival. Reacting to Thursday’s judgment, the Art of Living Foundation of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said it was “disappointed with the decision taken by the NGT”. “We do not agree with the verdict. Our submissions have not been dealt with or considered. We will appeal to the Supreme Court. We are confident that we will get justice before the SC,” it said in a statement.
Last month, the green court reserved its verdict in the case after hearing the submissions of all parties concerned, including the ministry of environment, forests and climate change, which said that as per a 2006 environment impact assessment report, no environmental clearance was needed for the festival.
The counsel for the DDA told the bench that the agency has plans for beautification of the Yamuna river front, including afforestation, development of wetlands and ecological restoration, and added that it would need 7-8 months for the tendering process for the two phases of Yamuna Floodplain Development Programme.
According to Sanjay Parikh, lawyer for petitioner Manoj Misra from Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan, the DDA has also been asked by the bench to assess the “quantum of damage” and submit a final compensation number.
“If the amount is more, it is to be taken from Art Of Living for the damage caused. If it is less, the rest of the amount will be refunded,” fromtheRs5crore,he added.
The NGT also criticised DDA for failing to exercise its duty to protect the Yamuna floodplains but refrained from imposing any penalty on it.