The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has leveled serious accusations against Lt Governor V K Saxena, claiming that his recent actions have jeopardized the Arvind Kejriwal government’s ongoing efforts to combat pollution in Delhi. At the heart of the controversy is the alleged unauthorized felling of 1,100 trees in the Satbari ridge area, a move that AAP contends violates environmental regulations and Supreme Court mandates…
In a press conference held on Sunday, AAP’s chief spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar articulated the party’s grievances, emphasizing the strides the Delhi government has made in enhancing the city’s green cover over the past decade. “In the last ten years, the Aam Aadmi Party government has implemented numerous long-term and short-term measures to control pollution in Delhi. One significant long-term initiative is tree planting,” Kakkar stated.
Under the Kejriwal administration, Delhi’s green cover has reached a historic high, now constituting about 24% of the city’s area. Kakkar highlighted that over the past four years alone, the government has overseen the planting of two crore trees. Additionally, Delhi boasts 17 city forests, with six more in development. These forests are strategically located near metro stations and in various parts of the city, including Shastri Park, ITO Chungi Part 2, Mukhmelpur, Shikarpur, Aya Nagar, and Jaunapur.
Kakkar accused the Lt Governor of acting in contempt of the Supreme Court by ordering the tree felling in Satbari ridge without the required judicial approval. “An order from the Supreme Court is mandatory to cut even a single tree in that eco-sensitive zone. Cutting trees in the ridge area of Satbari without such an order is not permitted,” she said.
The spokesperson underscored the critical role these trees and city forests play in mitigating pollution and enhancing air quality in the capital. The AAP government’s green initiatives are seen as essential steps toward creating a healthier and more sustainable urban environment for Delhi’s residents.
The allegations have sparked a significant outcry among environmentalists and concerned citizens who fear the long-term implications of such actions on Delhi’s ecological balance. There was no immediate reaction from the LG’s office regarding these allegations.
This incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between the Delhi government and the Lt Governor’s office, reflecting the ongoing power struggle and differing visions for the city’s governance. As the controversy unfolds, the AAP is calling for accountability and stringent adherence to environmental laws to protect Delhi’s green assets.
The AAP’s allegations highlight the critical intersection of governance, environmental stewardship, and urban planning, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address the complex challenges of pollution and climate change in one of the world’s most populous cities.
