Union Water and Resource Minister Uma Bharti today said ministry has no role in "giving or cancelling" permission to Art of Living Foundation's World Cultural Festival.
Talking to reporters here, she wished the event a "great success" and said she was "very sure" followers of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of Art of Living, were "committed to environment" and that there will be "no damage caused" by the event.
"I saw my ministry's name was appearing on TV screens. So, I want to make it very clear that my ministry has no role in giving or cancelling permission (to the event). I am totally with Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji and I wish all the success to his event," she said.
The minister added the "rest of the issues" will be taken care of by National Green Tribunal (NGT).
She noted the particular stretch of Yamuna, along which the event is being planned to be held, is in a "very bad condition" and claimed it will "become better" after the event as it will attract attention of "entire world" towards the river.
"And, I totally believe, Yamuna and its problems will come into focus after the event. I wish a great success to this event, which is a pride for this country," she added.
Bharti, also stated her ministry will appeal to "environmentally alert" Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to take part in social programmes relating to the Centre's Clean Ganga mission.
The Ministry today informed the NGT it has not granted permission for the cultural festival, scheduled to be held from March 11 to 13.
