New Delhi: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's mega cultural event cleared

However, the tribunal directed the Foundation to  pay an initial compensation of Rs. 5 crore as environmental damage cost.

The Tribunal will mention the additional fine later, reports said.

Giving details of the event, the spiritual guru tweeted: "172 international dignitaries comprising current & former Heads of State, Ministers & Members of Parliament are attending #WCF2016."

"Around 20,000 guests from 155 countries are arriving. Let India welcome them to #WCF2016 with one voice & our traditional hospitality," he said.

The Delhi government earlier told the tribunal hearing the environmentalists' plea on Tuesdayabout holding the World Culture Festival on the Yamuna floodplains that no police or fire safety clearance has been given for the event.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has also questioned the Environment Ministry if the alteration of the floodplains requires the ministry's clearance or not, according to reports.

The NGT has also posed some tough questions to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), who had earlier given permission for the holding of the event, reported a news channel.

Art of Living's lawyer Akashama Nath argued that they got the permission of 30 departments and ministries for the event and they have not done a study on environment because they have not been asked for it by the ministry. 

The event, which will be held from Mar 11, is planned on Yamuna floods plains of Delhi.

Saying the event might cause damage to the Yamuna ecosystem, several NGOs and environmental activists have moved the NGT.

President Pranab Mukherjee will not attend the festival following the controversy.

According to the  Art of Living Foundation website: "The World Culture Festival 2016 is a celebration of The Art of Living's 35 years ofservice to humanity, spirituality and human values. It will take place on March 11-13, 2016 in New Delhi, India."