Isha Foundation violating noise pollution rules: TNPCB

The survey was conducted and analysed by Advanced Environment Laboratory (AEL) of TNPCB, Coimbatore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Sadhguru at the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore on Friday, where he consecrated a 112-foot-tall statue of the Adiyogi (in the backdrop), to mark Maha Shivratri
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Sadhguru at the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore on Friday, where he consecrated a 112-foot-tall statue of the Adiyogi (in the backdrop), to mark Maha Shivratri

CHENNAI:  In a setback to Isha Foundation, which is fighting multiple legal battles, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) on Tuesday said noise levels during Mahashivaratiri conducted annually by the foundation was exceeding the permitted level in all the locations where the pollution board has taken measurements as part of the long-term survey carried out since the year 2013.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the main draw at the recent edition of the event.

The survey was conducted and analysed by Advanced Environment Laboratory (AEL) of TNPCB, Coimbatore. Charles Rodriquez, Joint Chief Environmental Engineer, has filed the affidavit before southern bench of National Green Tribunal (TNPCB). Petitioner M Vetriselvan had filed an application seeking permanent injunction restraining Isha Foundation from conducting the Mahashivaratiri festival within the buffer zone. The applicant claims that the foundation is location Ikkarai Poluvampatty village, which is a one of the notified areas of Hill Area Conversation Authority (HACA).

The TNPCB official categorically stated in the affidavit that the limits for the residential zone is 55 dB(A) during day time (6 am to 10 pm) and 45 dB(A) during night time (10 pm to 6 am). In all the eight locations where the noise levels were measured, the noise levels are exceeding the permissible limits. At one location it was as high as 80.9 dB, thereby violating the provisions of Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

The board also said Isha Foundation has not applied for consent under Water (P&CP) Act, 1974 and Air (P&CP) Act, 1981. Any construction in the HACA notified area requires prior permission from the district collector, HACA department and Town and Country Planning Department. Only then, the board can consider on issue of consent on receipt of application, official said in the affidavit.

Meanwhile, Swami Eka, administrator of Isha Yoga Centre, has filed a reply in which he said the application was filed with vested interest. Matters related unauthorised constructions are subjudice in Madras High Court and asserted that the foundation was situated in patta land not in forest land.

Regarding organising mahashivaratiri festival, Isha claimed the festival was famous in the region well before foundation was established due to presence of Velliangiri Andavar Temple also known as Dakshin Kailash. The sound systems used are of latest technology and doesn’t create loud noise.

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