The World Cultural Event has garnered a lot of negative attention as the National Green Tribunal ordered for a ban on the construction work. The NGT claims that holding the event in the ecologically fragile Yamuna floodplains can bring irreparable damage.
The NGT questioned the Centre on how no environmental clearance was sought by the Art of Living Foundation before the construction work was initiated. The decision to deploy the Indian army to construct pontoon bridges for the event has also been severely criticised.
In an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar attempted to justify the deployment of the army. He said that it had been participating in activities like the Kumbh Mela which attracts a large number of population. The World Cultural Festival is expecting at least 35 lakh attendees.
It was done with the sole purpose of avoiding accidents.Manohar Parrikar, Minister of Defence
According to India Today, the Delhi Development Authority also defended itself on granting permission to conduct such a huge event in an ecologically sensitive area.
Heavens won’t fall if the event is held. We can see what needs to be done to restore the area, but today we are at the threshold of the ceremony.DDA
On Monday, Spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had said that the NGT report was biased. He also said that no trees were cut for this event adding that only four trees were trimmed.
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