Judgement of the National Green Tribunal regarding World Culture Festival Celebration on Yamuna flood plain, 07/12/2017
Judgement of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Manoj Misra & Others Vs Art of Living International Center & Others dated 07/12/2017 regarding World Culture Festival Celebration on Yamuna flood plain. This has led to illegal and unauthorized dumping and construction in the active flood plains of river Yamuna in the NCT of Delhi which was taking place over some 25 hectares upstream of DND Flyway. The flood plains which were excellent natural wetlands as recently as September 2015 have been cleared and levelled by the Art of Living International Center.
Some of the directions passed by NGT are the following:
- NGT declares Art of Living International Center responsible for causing damage and environmental degradation of the flood plain of river Yamuna limited to the area that was awarded to it by DDA and the State of UP, in terms of the report of the High Powered Committee.
- NGT holds Art of Living International Center responsible for restoration and restitution of the flood plain. Direct the Delhi Development Authority, under the guidance of the Expert Committee to carry out restoration/restitution/other necessary works and would also ensure construction/establishment of Bio-diversity park at the site which is part of Phase-II of the plan prepared by DDA for restitution/restoration and beautification of the flood plains of river Yamuna.
- A sum of ₹5,00,00,000/- (Rupees Five Crores) deposited by Art of Living International Center with DDA shall be utilised for restitution/restoration and other necessary works for the flood plains of river Yamuna in accordance with this judgement and under the supervision of the Expert Committee.