We'll do everything to restore Yamuna floodplains, says Sri Sri

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Saturday promised that he would “do everything” to restore the floodplains of Yamuna, but would not pay “any amount of fine” imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on his Art of Living Foundation (AoL).

“The NGT has clarified that it did not impose any fine on us. We have said we will not pay any fine. But, we will do everything for restoration (of Yamuna floodplains),” he said while addressing thousands of people on the second day of the World Culture Festival.

The spiritual guru, who wished to see that Yamuna was cleaned “as early as possible”, noted that people sitting with “prejudices in mind” was the problem that the world was facing today, maintaining that it must be addressed.

“It is unfortunate that Yamuna is in such a state today that we have to clean it. Krishna (Hindu god) is now once again back to save Yamuna through you. I wish Yamuna is cleaned as early as possible,” he said.

Ravi Shankar’s assurance for restoration of Yamuna floodplains comes a day after a NGT bench took exception to his public remark that he would prefer to go to jail but not pay even a “penny” of Rs 5 crore compensation imposed on the AoL by the green tribunal.