Sri Sri Event Sees Opposition Unite Against Government
NEW DELHI:
On a day the National Green Tribunal is to announce its decision on whether the three-day World Culture festival, set to open on Friday, can be held at all, opposition members confronted the government in the Rajya Sabha.
“I am not against any cultural festival. But the question arises, what about environment, biodiversity and ecology of this country?” questioned Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Union Minister Arun Jaitley shot back: “Will the matter will be heard here or the NGT (National Green Tribunal)?”
Over 1,000 acres on the Yamuna banks have been converted into a makeshift village for the festival that will feature yoga and meditation sessions, peace prayers and cultural performances.
A seven-acre stage has been set up for over 35,000 artistes and visitors from 150 countries. Art of Living has denied any major construction on the river banks but temporary bridges and mobile towers have been built and dirt tracks and a parking area are also coming up, according to a blueprint accessed by NDTV.
Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said: “All functions have been given all clearances. As far as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is concerned, he has launched a campaign to clean the environment in the country. He has started a programme to clean the Yamuna. We should not question his intention.”
Members also questioned the use of official resources for the function.
“Can the Indian Army be roped into building two bridges leading up across the Yamuna? I think it’s highly irregular that the army is used to build bridges for a private event,” said Left leader Sitaram Yechury.
The Green Tribunal, hearing a petition that cites lasting damage to the fragile ecosystem of the Yamuna river, has questioned who cleared the event.
Referencing the tribunal’s strong words, Mr Azad said: “Why was no environment clearance taken? The tribunal asked who gave the permission to build bridges over the Yamuna? All construction over the Yamuna will be deemed illegal. Has that been take into consideration?”
The tribunal had said to the Environment Ministry on Tuesday: “If somebody has to alter the flood plains, don’t you think it requires your clearance? To protect the river is your prime responsibility, what steps did you take to prevent damage?”
