New Delhi: World Culture Festival organised by the Spiritual Leader and Founder of the ``Art of Living Foundation`` Sri Sri Ravi Shankar underway on the banks of Yamuna in New Delhi on March 12, 2016. (Photo: IANS)
New Delhi, April 18 (IANS) The Art of Living (AoL) on Monday completed the clean-up of the Yamuna flood plains where the World Culture Festival was held and officially handed it over to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
The World Culture Festival, held here from March 11 to 13, was embroiled in a controversy that it harmed the local ecology as well as disturbed the farmers and their crops. A green court had imposed a fine on Aol for organising the event in the flood plains.
"The grounds have been returned by AoL in a better condition than they received it -- greener, cleaner and with no damage to the soil. There was no water, air or soil pollution from AoL's side. That should put to rest all apprehensions about the possible pollution due to the mega event," Aol said in a statement.
The World Culture Festival attracted 172 leaders from across globe, and over 3.7 million people from 155 countries.
The seven-acre stage on which the event was hosted was build in 50 days and dismantled in 28.
Aol said the stage was set up without a foundation to prevent damage to the soil.
"The area under the stage, as well as the rest of the grounds, now sport a carpet of green grass, and show no signs of any damage. In fact, the place is frequented by cattle for grazing," Aol said.
