NGT gives green signal to World Culture Festival: As it happened

Zee News, India/March 9, 2016

By Deepak Nagpal

New Delhi: Notwithstanding raging controversies, the National Green Tribunal on Wednesday cleared the decks for the three-day cultural extravaganza of Art of Living on the flood plains of Yamuna river from Friday but imposed a fine of Rs five crores on it as environmental compensation.

Here are the updates:

- NGT asks AOL to give undertaking that enzymes won't be released into Yamuna and no further degradation of environment will happen.

- NGT asks AOL to deposit the environmental compensation before the start of the programme. 

- NGT asks AOL to develop entire area in question into a biodiversity park.

- NGT imposes Rs. 5 lakh fine on DDA. 

- NGT imposes Rs 5 crore fine on Art Of Living.

- NGT imposes Rs 1 lakh fine on Delhi Pollution Control Committee.

- NGT gives green signal to Art of Living's World Culture Festival.

- NGT order on World Culture Festival is now expected shortly.

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji and his followers are committed to environment; I’m sure no damage will be done, says Uma Bharti.

- I’m totally with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji and wish all success to his event. Rest has to be taken care of by NGT, says Uma Bharti. 

- Our ministry has no role in granting or not granting permission, says Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti.

- MoEF files affidavit in NGT, says no environment clearance required for temporary structures on flood plains.

- NGT takes jibe at AOL, says if you have spent only Rs 15 crores on the event then you should take up national projects.

- Art of Living counsel tells NGT the total cost for preparing the venue for World Culture Festival is Rs 15.63 crore, in addition to Rs 10 crore for decoration.

- Post pontoon bridge controversy the Defence Minister asks MoD to make clear policy framework regarding use of Army assistance in civilian cause: Sources

- The AOL will submit its reply to NGT at 3 pm.NGT at 3 pm.

- NGT asks AOL to submit details of expenses on construction of stage, levelling of flood plains, removal of debris and pontoon bridges.NGT asks AOL to submit details of expenses on construction of stage, levelling of flood plains, removal of debris and pontoon bridges.

- NGT asks DPCC - "Have you ever seen this kind and scale of construction activity going on in Delhi, especially on the flood plain?"DPCC - "Have you ever seen this kind and scale of construction activity going on in Delhi, especially on the flood plain?"

- DPCC tells NGT - "Delhi witnesses some cultural function everyday, not possible to know of the scale of things."

- The Art of Living's counsel says during there will be no activity which will violate the NGT order. The counsel assures they will maintain sufficient distance from river while carrying out activities.

- The Delhi government informs NGT the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has asked AOL to build a separate stage for the PM due to issues over structural safety of the main stage.

- NGT further asks the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) if it can allow putting enzymes in river Yamuna without examination. “Have you tested the enzyme being put into the river by Art Of Living?” it asks. The AOL had earlier said that it will put enzymes into river Yamuna near the event venue to clean it.

- NGT asks the Centre, the Delhi government and the Delhi Development Authority whether any environment impact assessment was carried out regarding preparation and consequential effects of event.

- Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar says they have given the affidavit NGT asked for. “Matter is with NGT, I will not speak,” Javadekar says.

- The Water Resources Ministry informs NGT it had not given any permission for the mega event.

- Don't test our patience, NGT tells MoEF; directs it to file an affidavit on the matter..

- Who will ensure the structure is removed after the March 11-13 festival gets over, asks NGT.

- Why did you think the massive stage being built for the event is temporary in nature, NGT asks ministry.

- NGT asks the ministry why it had failed to submit an affidavit as asked by it regarding environment clearances.

Ahead of the NGT hearing, the Delhi Police in a letter to the Ministry of Urban Development red flagged the event saying the festival, expected to be attended by nearly 35 lakh people, may witness “stampede”, “pandemonium” and “utter chaos”.

The police further noted that the stage for the event - being billed as the world's largest temporary stage - lacks structural stability certificate.

It may be noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will inaugurate the event, and other VVIPs will be seated on the stage.Narendra Modi, who will inaugurate the event, and other VVIPs will be seated on the stage.