New Delhi: The world famous guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s massive festival on the banks of the river Yamuna celebrations are likely to decide by India’s top environmental court today. A group of experts who are monitoring the site said that Sri Sri’s Art of Living foundation must pay at least Rs. 100 crore for damaging the flood plains.
Art of living event is scheduled between March 11-13 on the west bank of Yamuna floodplain near DND flyover, 35 lakh people are expected to attend. Over 1,000 acres on the Yamuna banks have been converted into a makeshift village for Art of Living’s three-day World Cultural Festival that will feature yoga and meditation sessions, peace prayers and cultural performances.
Professor CR Babu, who is appointed by the National Green Tribunal to review the site mentioned that an extensive damage has been occurred to the flood plains. “100-120 crores will be required to undo the damage and Art of Living must pay that money as penalty,” he said.
Despite high levels of pollution, the Yamuna flood plains are rich in flora and fauna with more than 320 bird species and 200 types of plants, say experts.
The suspense over the fate of the Art of Living’s controversial “World Culture Festival” deepened on Tuesday amid speculation on whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate the three-day event that begins on Friday.
President Pranab Mukherjee has already cancelled plans to attend Sunday’s valedictory session.
