1"sri sri ravi shankar world cultural festival case"
1. INTRODUCTION
The World Culture Festival, organized by The Art of Living, held in March last year on the Yamuna floodplain in Delhi, has come under scrutiny as a committee of experts appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) found extensive damage to the ecological balance of the area. The seven-member panel, led by Shashi Shekhar, Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, submitted a report on July 28, revealing that the floodplain used for the event was "completely destroyed," resulting in an "invisible loss of biodiversity" that may be irreversible.
According to the committee's findings, the entire floodplain area, located between the DND flyover and Barapullah drain on the right bank of the Yamuna River, has been leveled, compacted, and hardened. The destruction involves the clearing of vegetation, filling of water bodies, dumping of debris, and garbage, followed by extensive ground compacting. The committee notes that the ecosystem functions of natural wetlands have been severely compromised, with the loss of biodiversity, including critical micro-organisms, which may never fully recover.
The report also highlights the construction of ramps, roads, and bridges, which, along with the removal of riparian vegetation, has led to physical changes in the river channel. The simplification of habitat into a flat landscape has eliminated water bodies, impacting floodwater retention capacity and compromising the overall ecological balance of the area.
The Art of Living responded by stating that the NGT is yet to hear their application for the reconstitution of the committee, emphasizing the alleged bias and unsustainability of the environmental damage allegations. The committee has recommended the preparation of a detailed project report by an independent agency to assess the extent of damage and estimate the costs for a restoration plan. The NGT, on August 10, granted the committee the liberty to engage any specialized agency for this purpose, with the Ministry of Water Resources bearing the expenses. [1]
2.WHAT MAKES IT A NEWS:
Environmental Impact: The report suggests that the Art of Living's World Culture Festival had a severe and lasting impact on the Yamuna floodplains, leading to the destruction of natural features like water bodies, vegetation, and the habitat of various organisms. The event's environmental impact is a matter of concern, especially considering the delicate balance of ecosystems.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) Involvement: The NGT is a judicial body in India that handles cases related to environmental protection and conservation. The fact that an expert panel appointed by the NGT is concluding that the festival "completely destroyed" the floodplains adds an official and legal dimension to the environmental concerns.
Violation of Regulations: The NGT had initially imposed a fine of Rs 120 crore (Indian Rupees) on the Art of Living foundation for the environmental damage caused by the festival. The subsequent reduction of the fine to Rs 5 crore and the foundation missing the payment deadlines highlight the legal consequences and regulatory aspects associated with such events.
Public Awareness: The news draws attention to the importance of responsible event planning and management, particularly for large-scale cultural or entertainment events. It serves as a reminder of the potential environmental consequences of such gatherings and the need for organizers to adhere to environmental regulations.
Cultural and Social Implications: The festival, organized by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living foundation, was intended to celebrate world cultures. However, the negative environmental impact raises questions about the balance between cultural events and environmental conservation.
In summary, the news is significant due to its environmental implications, legal aspects, and the broader societal discussion it prompts about the environmental responsibility of event organizers. [2]
3. World Culture Festival should not have been allowed if Yamuna was fragile: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living organization, has strongly voiced his opinion on the World Culture Festival (WCF), asserting that the event should not have been permitted if the Yamuna river was deemed fragile. He openly criticized the authorities, including the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the central and Delhi governments, for granting permission for the festival despite existing concerns about the precarious state of the river.
In response to a report from an expert committee appointed by the NGT, which estimated the ecological rehabilitation cost of the Yamuna floodplains to be Rs 42.02 crore and requiring a decade of effort, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar laid the responsibility for the damage squarely on the organizations and governments that sanctioned the festival. He proposed that fines should be imposed on the NGT, as well as the central and Delhi governments, arguing that they should be held accountable for permitting an event that allegedly led to significant ecological harm.
This perspective from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar not only underscores his dissatisfaction with the proceedings but also initiates a broader conversation about the accountability of regulatory bodies and governments in permitting events with potential environmental repercussions. It reflects a stance that places responsibility on those who authorized the festival, suggesting that they should bear the consequences for the reported damage to the Yamuna floodplains. [3]
4. CONCLUSION
The conclusion of the case states that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) upheld its previous committee's judgment, maintaining a fine of Rs 5 Crores for the purpose of restitution, restoration, and beautification of the floodplains of the Yamuna river. The 5-crore deposit made by Respondent No. 3 (likely referring to the Art of Living Foundation) was designated to be utilized by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for restoration purposes under the supervision of the Expert Committee.
Importantly, the Tribunal did not impose any additional penalty on Respondent No. 3, citing Section 26 of the NGT Act, 2010. Instead, it provided Respondent No. 3 the opportunity to comply with the judgment.
The conclusion notes that the Art of Living Foundation, though dissatisfied with the final verdict, abided by the NGT's order. Subsequently, an appeal was made on behalf of Vyakti Vikas Kendra, a charitable trust associated with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, to stay the NGT verdict of December 7, 2017. However, the Supreme Court refused to grant the stay and issued notice to Mr. Manoj Mishra, on whose plea the NGT had imposed the fine. Despite Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's claim for another appeal against the NGT to invalidate the imposed compensation, no appeal has been filed after the dismissal of the Vyakti Vikas Kendra Appeal. [4]
5. CITATIONS:
[1] World Culture Festival: Sri Sri event destroyed Yamunas floodplain, biodiversity lost forever, expert panel to NGT, Available at: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/art-of-living-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-yamuna-world-culture-festival-ngt-2979660/ (Last visited: January 20, 2024).
[2] Art of Living's World Culture Festival 'completely destroyed' Yamuna floodplains, say NGT experts, Available at: https://scroll.in/latest/814209/art-of-livings-world-culture-festival-completely-destroyed-yamuna-floodplains-say-ngt-experts (Last visited: January 20, 2024).
[3] World Culture Festival should not have been allowed if Yamuna was fragile: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Available at: https://www.firstpost.com/india/world-culture-festival-should-not-have-been-allowed-if-yamuna-was-fragile-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-3391290.html(Last visited: January 20, 2024).
[4] Sri Sri Ravi Shankar World Cultural Festival Case: An Event That Befouled The Yamuna Floodplains, Available at: https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-3802-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-world-cultural-festival-case-an-event-that-befouled-the-yamuna-floodplains.html#:~:text=The%20National%20Green%20Tribunal%20upheld,the%20floodplains%20of%20river%20Yamuna. (Last visited: January 20, 2024).
