The ongoing construction work for the World Culture Festival 2016 being organised by the Art of living on the Yamuna floodplain has taken a heavy toll on the flora and fauna. The organisers are using pre-fabricated building materials, which are harmful to the environment, in making the stage and other structures on the floodplain of the river.
When The Pioneer visited the site, it was found that pre-fabricated solid materials were being used to erect the high mast lights stationed at different areas in the vicinity of the giant main stage for the three-day event. The use of plaster of paris, plastic, flex, stones, steel, bricks and other materials harmful to the nature shows sordid state of affair as how floodplains are being ruined in the name of cultural meet.
Contrary to spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s claim on Tuesday that not a single tree has been cut and the ecological stability has been maintained during the preparations, rampant digging for installing poles, tents and laying water pipelines has totally changed total landscape of the ecologically sensitive floodplains.
lots of plants on the banks of the river have been removed and the agricultural land has also gone for a toss with the area being cleaned up for parking purpose.
Farmers, who are at the receiving end, have expressed regret allowing massive activities to be taken up for the event and alleged that they have not even received any compensation.
A host of birds and animals, who once lived on the bank of river Yamuna, have now disappeared. Since the preparations began, the continuous vehicular movements and constructions taking place have disturbed the natural habitat of these birds.
While surveying the surrounding area, it was found that three pontoon bridges are being constructed on the river Yamuna to facilitate movement of participants. One of the three bridges has been constructed by event organisers, while constructions of the other two are underway.
According to the norms, any form of construction is banned on the floodplains of the River Yamuna which is a bone of contention between the organisers of the event and National Green Tribunal.