"NGT has given permission to them. We had already clarified to NGT that these kinds of programmes and temporary structures do not require environmental clearances under the environmental law and environment notification," Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadedar told PTI.
Amid a raging row over environmental degradation, the green body today cleared the decks for the cultural event scheduled to begin from March 11, but imposed a fine of Rs 5 crore on AOL as environmental compensation.
The tribunal's order came on the pleas by NGOs and environmentalists who had sought cancellation of the festival, saying it would seriously endanger the fragile ecosystem on the riverbed.
More than 35 lakh people are expected to arrive at the 'World Cultural Festival'.