New Delhi : All the restrictions imposed by National Green Tribunal (NGT) on the Art of Living (AOL) to organise World Culture Festival (WCF) at 1,000 acres of the Yamula floodplains are being openly flouted.Despite the condition of not disturbing the greenery of the area, many trees have been cut down and bushes and grass have been removed to flatten the land for laying carpets where around 35 lakh people from across the country and abroad will sit and enjoy the three-day mega event that will begin from seven in the evening.
“We have not cut trees. We have only cleared the area where our guests will sit,” Dinesh Ghodke, secretary to Sri Sri Ravishankar, told Firstpost.
The removal of trees, grass and bushes will loosen the soil which will result into erosion during floods.
The green body had categorically instructed the organisers to ensure pollution free environment at the floodplains, but 92 diesel-operated generators, which emit toxic gases and pollutants, are being used here to generate electricity.
“We were left with no option but to use gen-sets because all the discoms refused to provide electricity for the event. But we have hired soundless and eco-friendly generators to ensure clean air,” he said claiming that all the they are “committed to follow all restrictions”.
The organisers have parking arrangements for 17,000 vehicles in the entire area. The presence of such a huge number of vehicles would create another environmental hazard.
Contrary to the claims of foolproof security at the venue that will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Cabinet colleagues, head of several nations and parliamentarians and artists from across the globe, a major lapse in security is clearly evident. Except the two entry points meant for the prime minister, the concept of ‘restricted entry’ is non-existent. Anyone can enter from any gate he or she wishes to use. It was said earlier that no one will be allowed to carry bags, but this is not being implemented on the ground.
Only the inner enclosure close to the stage where VIPs and VVIPs will sit has been completely sanitised.
The rest of the area has been left to the mercy of God.
“We have not cut trees. We have only cleared the area where our guests will sit,” Dinesh Ghodke, secretary to Sri Sri Ravishankar, told Firstpost.
The removal of trees, grass and bushes will loosen the soil which will result into erosion during floods.
The green body had categorically instructed the organisers to ensure pollution free environment at the floodplains, but 92 diesel-operated generators, which emit toxic gases and pollutants, are being used here to generate electricity.
“We were left with no option but to use gen-sets because all the discoms refused to provide electricity for the event. But we have hired soundless and eco-friendly generators to ensure clean air,” he said claiming that all the they are “committed to follow all restrictions”.
The organisers have parking arrangements for 17,000 vehicles in the entire area. The presence of such a huge number of vehicles would create another environmental hazard.
Contrary to the claims of foolproof security at the venue that will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Cabinet colleagues, head of several nations and parliamentarians and artists from across the globe, a major lapse in security is clearly evident. Except the two entry points meant for the prime minister, the concept of ‘restricted entry’ is non-existent. Anyone can enter from any gate he or she wishes to use. It was said earlier that no one will be allowed to carry bags, but this is not being implemented on the ground.
Only the inner enclosure close to the stage where VIPs and VVIPs will sit has been completely sanitised.
The rest of the area has been left to the mercy of God.
Bureau Report
Leave a Reply