Delhi Minister Alleges Illegal Felling of Over 1,100 Trees in Ridge Area

Delhi Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has accused Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena of ordering the felling of 1,100 trees in the city's ridge area. Bharadwaj claimed that this action was taken despite objections from forest officials.

The minister's allegations come as the Supreme Court seeks a clear statement from the DDA vice-chairman on whether the trees were cut on the LG's orders without permission. The trees were felled in Satbari to construct a road from Chhattarpur to South Asian University.

Forest Department and DDA Involvement

Bharadwaj alleged that both the forest department and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) were aware that there was no permission to cut trees in the ridge area. He stated, "Everyone is involved in this whole matter. The forest department, the DDA and the Lieutenant Governor, all are involved in this illegal act and together they are working to deceive the Supreme Court."

The urban development department released a statement quoting Bharadwaj, who cited a communication letter from a DDA official to his superiors regarding the tree felling. According to Bharadwaj, this letter indicated that the trees were cut earlier this year on the LG's directions.

Supreme Court's Directive

The Supreme Court has directed the DDA vice-chairman to provide an official record regarding the LG's site visit on February 3. The court wants to know what transpired during this visit and whether any official records exist.

Bharadwaj pointed out that no tree can be felled in the ridge area without Supreme Court permission. He also cited an email, allegedly sent by a DDA officer, which contradicted claims made in court that the LG did not visit the site.

Alleged Illegal Actions

The email purportedly shows that the LG visited Satbari on February 3, 2024, and ordered the cutting of trees. Bharadwaj alleged that after this order, trees were felled illegally without obtaining Supreme Court permission.

No immediate reaction was available from the LG's office regarding Bharadwaj's claims. The minister had demanded the resignation of the LG, alleging his involvement in felling 1,100 trees without permission after his visit on February 3.

The minister emphasised that both the forest department and DDA knew there was no permission for such action. Despite this knowledge, they proceeded with cutting down trees in Satbari.

Bharadwaj's allegations have brought attention to potential illegal activities involving high-ranking officials. The Supreme Court's directive aims to clarify these actions and hold accountable those responsible for any wrongdoing.