AAP Dares BJP to Show Proof of Delhi CM's Nod for Ridge Tree Felling

The ruling AAP on Saturday challenged the BJP to provide documents proving that trees were felled in the Ridge area with the approval of the Delhi chief minister. AAP chief spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar stated, "The BJP has found an opportunity to do politics in this matter and since Friday, it has been showing some documents saying that these trees were felled on the orders of Kejriwal."

Supreme Court's Role in Tree Felling

Kakkar emphasised that only the Supreme Court can authorise tree felling in the Ridge area. She urged the BJP to present any such documents to the Supreme Court instead of creating drama. "If the BJP has such documents, then they should stop drama and put these papers before the Supreme Court," she said.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor responded by accusing AAP of misleading the public. Kapoor asserted, "All the documents we have shared have signatures of the Delhi Chief Minister and Environment minister. The AAP government cannot escape responsibility as the party leaders are misleading people by saying the permission was related to a different project."

Visit to Southern Ridge Area

AAP sources revealed that Delhi government ministers plan to visit Satbari in the Southern Ridge area, where 1,100 trees were removed by the DDA under the direction of the Lt Governor. When DDA sought permission for tree felling, it was discovered that these trees had already been cut down. The Supreme Court and Delhi government are now seeking answers from LG and officials working at BJP's behest, but there has been no response.

Kapoor claimed that documents clearly indicate that the chief minister not only approved tree removal but also pressured the LG for his consent by stating he was bound by the Council of Ministers' advice. "The documents clearly show that the chief minister not only approved the removal of trees but also forced the LG for his nod to it by saying he was bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers," Kapoor said.

The controversy continues as both parties accuse each other of misleading the public and playing politics over environmental issues. The involvement of high-level officials and legal authorities highlights the complexity and significance of this matter.

The situation remains tense, with both sides standing firm on their claims. The demand for transparency and accountability is growing as citizens await further developments in this ongoing dispute.