AAP Accuses Delhi LG VK Saxena of Illegal Tree Cutting in Eco-Sensitive Zone

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered the cutting of thousands of trees in an eco-sensitive zone of the Ridge area in Delhi, violating several environmental laws. AAP National Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar criticized the BJP’s environmental policies, stating that they have led to India’s low rank on the Environment Performance Index.

This accusation comes amid reports of illegal tree cutting by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in Southern Ridge. Priyanka Kakkar stated, “While the AAP is trying to increase the green cover in Delhi, BJP’s LG by flouting all the rules, gave the order to cut thousands of trees in an eco-sensitive zone. BJP tried to spread disinformation that trees were cut as per the order of Arvind Kejriwal.”

In response to the illegal cutting of 1100 trees, a three-member Fact Finding Committee was formed, including Cabinet Ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj, Atishi, and Imran Hussain. During a meeting on June 26, it was revealed that the DDA had violated the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994.

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Delhi government to file an affidavit on the matter by July 11, with the next hearing scheduled for July 12. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai had requested a report from the Forest Department, but officials went on medical leave, prompting the formation of the fact-finding committee.