NGT threatens to withdraw permission if AoL doesn't pay fine

Fine money to be used for ecological restoration

GN Bureau | March 10, 2016


#World Culture Festival   ##OccupyYamuna   #Delhi   #Art of Living   #Environment   #NGT   #Religion   #Yamuna   #Sri Sri Ravi Shankar  


The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has threatened to revoke permission for the World Culture Festival if the Art of Living foundation (AoL) does not cough up the fine by 4 pm on Thursday.

The NGT had given a go ahead to the festival taking strict note of the damage done by the organisers on the Yamuna river flood plains and riverbed and slapped a fine of Rs 5 crore. However, a defiant Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, in an interview with NDTV, said that he will not pay the fine and will appeal against the decision. A hearing is scheduled at NGT from 4 pm onwards.

The fine amount is expected to increase manifold once the principal committee appointed by the tribunal submits its report in four weeks. The fine will be used to restore the floodplains though activists rue that the original ecology is lost forever.

The fine imposed on Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Delhi Pollution Control Board (DPCB) for allotting land and failing to discharge its duties are just Rs 5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively.
 

 

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