: The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Wednesday argued that “there is no violation of any judgement or order while grating permission to the Art of Living mega event World Culture Festival on the banks of the Yamuna’s from March 11 to 13,” before the National Green Tribunal.
The NGT is hearing a petition filed by environmentalist Manoj Misra of Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan against allowing the event which he claims will cause irreversible damage to the fragile and already strained ecology of the river and its flood plains.
The green tribunal is expected to deliver its verdict on Thursday and this reportedly is the only case lined up for hearing before the special bench.
Calling the granting of permission for the event “illegal”, Sanjay Parikh, counsel for the petitioners, told NGT the DDA should also be fined in the case.
The DDA is being represented by counsel Rajeev Bansal.
For the event, five pontoon bridges are being constructed across the river, a seven acre stage has been prepared on a 1,000 acre plot and will feature 35,973 performers from 24 countries.
“Earlier, inspections carried out by IIT-Delhi professor A.K. Gosain maintained that in preparation for the event the site has been cleared of all natural vegetation and raised with the help of mechanical excavators. The tribunal had subsequently, on February 19, ordered a third inspection by a committee comprising Gosain, Brij Gopal, C.R. Prabhu and the secretary of the ministry of water resources, Shashi Shekhar. This noted that small water bodies that existed earlier have been filled up, all natural vegetation removed, and most of trees had been lopped or removed, the committee said that the preparations for the event have had a severe environmental impact. It had, therefore, recommended the imposition of a Rs 120 crore fine on the Art of Living Foundation,’’ noted environmentalist Manoj Mishra while speaking to The Hindu on Wednesday.
Meanwhile the Art of Living Foundation maintained that there is no violation.
