The National Green Tribunal blames Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living for damaging the ecology of the Yamuna floodplains. Last year the Art of Living conducted a three day cultural extravaganza at the banks of the Yamuna. The Green Court has ordered the organization to pay for the damages caused.
The Green Tribunal Head Justice Swatanter Kumar said, “We hold respondent no. 3 (Art of Living) responsible for the damage to the Yamuna floodplains.”
The verdict was announced after an environmental experts panel accused the Art of Living for causing damage to the Yamuna floodplains in Delhi. The Art of Living held the World Culture Festival near the Yamuna in 2016.
The Art of Living has been fined Rs. 5 crores for the damages. The Green Court announced the fine and said it would be used to restore the Yamuna floodplains.
The Green Court Chief said, “In case more funds are required, Art of Living will have to pay.” He further explained if the charges are less than Rs. 5 crores the addition will be refunded to the organization.
The Art of Living refused the allegations and stated they caused no damage to the Yamuna floodplains. The organization said, “We have never caused any damage to the environment but have in fact worked for preserving and reviving it through various environment related projects over the years.”
Many environmentalists objected the World Culture Festival at the ecologically fragile Yamuna banks. For the event, the organization had a 7 acre stage built, 650 portable toilets and a newly built dirt track.
