The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has consented for the three-day World Culture Festival to be held by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s ‘Art of Living’ (AOL) foundation on the floodplains of the Yamuna River from March 11 but slapped a fine of Rs 5 crore as an interim compensation for the impact of the event on the environment.
NGT has directed AOL to deposit the Rs 5 Cr fine amount before the event commences. It stated that the fine amount would be adjusted against final compensation which will be determined based on a study to be held by a tribunal-mandated panel.
The committee is instructed by the tribunal to submit its report (the steps to be taken and the cost of restoration work at the floodplains) within four weeks. The tribunal also ordered AOL to construct a biodiversity park at the site.
Reacting to the order of NGT, Ravi Shankar stated that he was not satisfied with it and he would appeal soon.