NGT faults AOL for damage of Yamuna floodplains

New Delhi Dec 8: In a major setback for Art of Living Foundation the National Green Tribunal yesterday has said that AOL is responsible for causing damage and environmental degradation of the Yamuna floodplains by holding a three-day cultural extravaganza last year.

NGT had ordered the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to utilize the RS 5 cr fine deposited by the foundation to restore the floodplains and recover the additional amount if needed from the foundation.

Tribunal in its judgment said that "We hold and declare that AOL is responsible for causing damage and environmental degradation of the floodplain 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."

Earlier the Spiritual Organization has conducted World Culture Festival from March 11-13, 2016, on the floodplains and many guests have attended the event. The organization has responded to the judgement and said that " verdict is erroneous and untenable and said they would move the Supreme Court against it."