DEHRADUN, INDIA, March 3, 2016 (Times of India): Forest officials in Uttarakhand have denied permission for a mega yoga gathering that would likely have seen over 1,000 participants from 70 nations converge on Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Chaurasi Kutiya, more famous as the Beatles ashram, over concerns about possible disturbance to the area’s rich wildlife.
The ashram, reopened a few months ago, is situated in the heart of the Gohri range of Rajaji tiger reserve, which has around eight tigers and a healthy population of the leopard, black bear, and cobra, among other species. The idea of having no tourist or commercial activity in core tiger habitats has earlier been endorsed by the Supreme Court, besides National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). “Only five to 10 people are permitted to visit the Chaurasi Kutiya ashram in a day,” DVS Khati, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), told TOI on Wednesday, explaining the denial of permission.
Over 1,100 participants from across the world have registered for the ongoing international yoga festival at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh. Swami Chidanand Saraswati (Muniji), the head of the ashram, had earlier expressed a desire to take the visitors for meditation at Chaurasi Kutiya ashram because of its serene surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.