AOL says its a charitable org, difficult to generate Rs 5 cr in a short time

New Delhi, March 11: A day after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) granted an extension to the Art of Living (AOL) Foundation to pay a fine of Rs 5 crore by March 11 for organising the World Culture Festival, the foundation has said that 'it needs four weeks to pay the fine.'

AOL said that since it is a charitable organisation and it was difficult for it to generate Rs 5 crore in a short period and hence they need an extension.

According to PTI, AOL moved an application in NGT saying it needs four weeks time to deposit Rs 5 cr fine and to comply with all tribunal directions.

AOL said that Rs 5 crore fine be taken as restoration amount for biodiversity park and not as penalty.

NGT even pulled up the Ministry of Water Resources for not doing anything to protect Yamuna from pollution despite directions. Uma Bharti, Union Water and Resources minister had come out in support of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar earlier this week saying 'I'm totally with Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji and wish all success to his event. Rest has to be taken care of by NGT."

"Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji and his followers are committed to environment; I'm sure no damage will be done," Bharti had said.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said: "There is no controversy. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is known for resolving controversial issues."

On the other hand, preparations are in full gear for the event which is scheduled to begin at 5 PM on Friday, Mar 11 evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office confirmed on Thursday that he would attend the event as scheduled.

OneIndia News