During the hearing in National Green Tribunal, the Art of Living said the total cost incurred for the World Culture Festival is Rs 15.63 crore. It also said that an additional Rs 10 crore have been used for decoration.
Hitting back at the foundation, the NGT responded by saying, "if Art of Living has accomplished so much with a Rs 15 crore budget then they should take up national projects."
Earlier in the day, the NGT came down heavily on the Environment Ministry over the event. Pulling up the government, the tribunal said, "What makes you think the construction is temporary? Don't test our patience."
The NGT also asked the ministry as to why environment clearance was not asked for. "Isn't your permission needed to conduct an event of this scale? Was an assessment done by anybody," the NGT asked.
Defending itself, the Art of Living foundation said, the assessment of environmental impact cannot to done by a private organisation and needs to be done by the ministry.
NGT also slammed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee over inaction in the case. "As a board what is your duty, have you ever seen this kind of construction activity in Delhi for a cultural event," the NGT asked. The tribunal also claimed, "it is not for Art of Living to justify, the person can't be said to violate it. There is a difference between violation and non compliance. How are you are saying they don't require your permission?"
On the backfoot, the DPCC claimed that they have not given any permission to the organisers for the event.
Meanwhile, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar appealed all parties to not politicise the event. "I appeal to all parties to not politicize the #WCF2016. It is to unite all cultures, nations, religions & ideologies. Let's come together!," he tweeted.
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