The NGT (National Green Tribunal) in-spite of appreciating Sri Sri's Art of Living Mission
for hosting of the World Culture Festival on the flood plains of the
river Yamuna fined the Foundation for ‘initial’ Environmental
Compensation of Rs. 5 crores. This fine is imposed on the Art of Living
Foundation as the NGT feels that the Foundation is liable to pay for the damage
caused to the environment, ecology, biodiversity and aquatic life of the river.
The order of NGT is as below:
“For the damage caused to the environment, ecology,
biodiversity and aquatic life of the river, the Foundation should be held
liable for its restoration in all respects. In that regard and in exercise of
our powers under Sections 15 and 17 of the NGT Act, 2010 we impose an
Environmental Compensation, initially of Rs. 5 crores. This amount would be
paid by the Foundation prior to the commencement of the event. This amount
would be adjusted towards the final compensation determined to be paid by the
Foundation for restoration work. We hereby direct the Principal Committee
constituted under the judgment, to submit a report within four weeks from
today, in relation to the steps required to be taken for restoration,
restitution and rejuvenation of the flood plains to its original status. It
will also state the approximate cost that would have to be incurred for such
restoration and restitution. We further direct that the entire area in question
shall be developed as a biodiversity park in terms of our judgment in the case
of Manoj Mishra (supra). The cost thereof shall be paid by the Foundation and
DDA in the proportion as would be directed by the Tribunal finally. For the reason of delay and laches
on the part of the applicant in approaching the Tribunal and for the reason of
fait accompli capable of restoration and restitution, we are unable to grant
the prayer of prohibitory order and a mandatory direction for removal of
construction and restoration of the area in question to the applicant at this
stage.”
The foundation has so far already spent a total of Rs.25.63
crores on the event.
The Tribunal also imposed a fine of Rs. 5 lakhs on the DDA (Delhi
Development Authority) and Rs. 1 lakh on the DPCC (Delhi Pollution Control
Committee) which it described as incompetent for not discharging their
statutory functions.
Thereafter, the Tribunal
constituted a committee of representatives of Delhi
Pollution Control Committee, the Union Environment Ministry and Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which should immediately inspect the site and
issue directions Thursday in relation to the source of water, and collection
and disposal of solid waste and sewerage.
