The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday directed Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living foundation to deposit by Saturday an environment compensation of Rs 4.75 crore — imposed on it for damaging Yamuna’s biodiversity during its three-day World Culture Festival in March.
The NGT told the foundation to pay the amount in full through RTGS (instant transfer).
Inspection of site
The Tribunal also directed the expert committee, headed by Secretary of Ministry of Water Resources Shashi Shekhar, to inspect the site where the festival was held before June 10 and submit a “comprehensive” report by July 4.
The bench said that besides Mr. Shekhar, the inspection panel would comprise of senior scientists from National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Professor C.R. Babu, Professor A.K. Gosain, Professor Brij Gopal and two more members.
The National Green Tribunal added that the foundation will also have to deposit Rs. 5,000, imposed on it for filing a plea that lacked bonafide reason, with the NGT Bar Association.
The Tribunal had slammed the foundation for not depositing the environment compensation imposed on it saying it was “wilful violation” of its undertakings.
