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Prove that no debris were used to level Yamuna floodplains: NGT to Art of Living Foundation

Last week, Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan, a non-profit organisation, approached NGT for stopping the massive construction being carried out on Yamuna floodplains on the grounds that it will cause immense damage to the river's ecology.

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Ahead of its mega 'World Culture Festival' in Delhi to mark its 35th anniversary next month, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Art of Living Foundation (AOL) on Tuesday to prove that no debris were used to level 25 acress of land on the Yamuna floodplains while it has asked Delhi Development Authority to reply to allegations that the floodplain was filled with debris. The Art of Living Foundation (AOL) mega event will be held on floodplains of River Yamuna opposite the Mayur Vihar Phase-I metro station and parallel to the Delhi-Noida-Direct flyway.

Last week, Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan, a non-profit organisation, approached NGT for stopping the massive construction being carried out on Yamuna floodplains on the grounds that it will cause immense damage to the river's ecology. Subsequently, the NGT issued notices to Art of Living Foundation (AOL) and DDA to submit all permissions related to the event and directed the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi to inspect the site. The NGT also formed a four-member committee headed by Shashi Shekhar, secretary water resources ministry, CR Babu of Moef, Prof.AK Gosain, IIT-Delhi and Prof.Brij Gopal from Jaipur to submit a report on the ground situation.

On Tuesday, though, the petitioner submitted fresh photographs of the site and claimed that AOL Foundation has increased pace of work after NGT's notice. Curiously, AOL foundation and DDA, who issued permissions for the event, have submitted contrasting details on the venue's condition before construction for the event began.

While the AOL foundation claimed that they cleared debris from nearly 20-25 acres spread across the venue, the DDA has refuted presence of any debris. In response, the NGT bench chaired by justice Swatanter Kumar asked AOL Foundation to file an affidavit. "Please prove that no debris were used to level 25 acres of floodplains and even DDA should file an affidavit on the issue." The petitioner's counsel argued that if AOL Foundation had indeed cleared such massive amounts of debris, they must provide proof of its disposal or recycling.

In a statement mailed to dna, AOL Foundation said that it, "is taking all requisite measures to maintain the ecological balance of the Yamuna riverbank. The world Culture Festival venue is at a safe distance from the riverbank and we have set in place systems to ensure it remains clean post the event as well. We are installing 650 chemical toilets to ensure none of the waste is passed to the Yamuna river. No concentration has happened at the venue." For the mega event, AOL foundation is building a gigantic stage and is attempting to enter the 'Guinness Book of World Records for the 'Largest temporary stage in the world.''

The event programs will be spread across 1000 acres and more than 20,000 international guests are expected to attend it. The festival will see diplomats, foreign dignitaries, cabinet ministers, corporate heads, entrepreneurs, state environment ministers and even environmentalists speaking at the mega event.

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