New Delhi : Union Minister of State for Tourism Mahesh Sharma on Wednesday said that World Cultural Festival organised by the Art of Living Foundation and spiritual guru Sri Ravi Shankar will give a boost to the nation’s tourism sector.
Sharma told ANI, “With the kind of feeling this cultural festival is being organised, it is a very good opportunity for India to showcase different cultures of the world. This will help different countries understand our tourism policies. Moreover, the tourism sector will also gain benefit out of the event.”
When asked about environment controversies related to the event, Sharma said, “Those who want to politicise and oppose it, can go ahead and do it. We organise such an event where we invite different countries, we should all support such events they give boost to the tourism industry. As far as environmental issues are concerned I don’t want to comment on it.”
The opposition raised the issue of the Indian Army’s involvement in the construction of pontoon bridges for the World Culture Festival, creating an uproar in the Rajya Sabha.
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury hit out at the Centre asking why was the Army being roped in for a private event following which the Opposition MPs raised slogans of ‘Army ka galat istemaal mat karo, raksha karo’.
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, said that he was concerned about the event as the Delhi Police had also raised security concerns.
Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal continued the hearing on the plea seeking to stop construction of temporary structure for event where the Water Resource Ministry informed NGT that they did not given any permission for the event. (ANI)