NGT seeks Delhi government answer to AoL's claims on debris

The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday sought explanation from Delhi government and DDA on the claims made by Art of Living (AoL) that the debris already existed on the Yamuna floodplains prior to its mega fest last year.

The Tribunal bench headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar asked the city government, along with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Delhi Metro, to make submissions and also show the extent of debris removed by them.

"You have filed affidavits before us in Manoj Misra (Yamuna) case stating that debris from the floodplains of

Yamuna have been removed. However, they (AoL) are saying something different. You address us on that behalf," the bench said.

The Tribunal's observation came after the lawyer for AoL told the green panel that the debris already existed on the site before the event and the condition of the floodplains was "pathetic".

Earlier, an expert committee told the NGT in a report that an amount of Rs 42.02 crore and years would be required to restore the Yamuna floodplains to the state prior to the three days cultural megafest.

The Tribunal will hear the matter on Wednesday October 4.

--IANS

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