Art of Living says land for festival clean now
NEW DELHI: The Art of Living on Monday completed the clean-up of the Yamuna flood plains where the World Culture Festival was held and officially handed it over to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
The World Culture Festival, held here from March 11 to 13, was embroiled in a controversy that it harmed the local ecology as well as disturbed the farmers and their crops. A green court had imposed a fine on Aol for organising the event in the flood plains.
“The grounds have been returned by Art of Living in a better condition than they received it -- greener, cleaner and with no damage to the soil. There was no water, air or soil pollution from AoL’s side. That should put to rest all apprehensions about the possible pollution due to the mega event,” Art of Living said in a statement.
The World Culture Festival attracted 172 leaders from across globe, and over 3.7 million people from 155 countries.
The seven-acre stage on which the event was hosted was build in 50 days and dismantled in 28.
The foundation said the stage was set up without a foundation to prevent damage to the soil.
“The area under the stage, as well as the rest of the grounds, now sport a carpet of green grass, and show no signs of any damage. In fact, the place is frequented by cattle for grazing,” it said.