AAP takes to streets over tree felling in eco-sensitive zone
New Delhi, July 20
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took to the streets to protest against the BJP and Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) VK Saxena on Saturday over the unauthorised felling of trees in the eco-sensitive area of Satbari, Chhatarpur. The protest, marked by a human chain and symbolic gestures, underscored the party’s anger over what it terms an environmental crime.
Protesters, including senior AAP leaders, wielded saws and hacked at tree replicas while wearing masks of Saxena, highlighting their accusations with fervent chants. The protest aimed to draw attention to the alleged illegal actions ordered by the L-G during a visit to the Ridge area on February 3.
“The Supreme Court has been asking the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) about who ordered the illegal felling of 1,100 trees, but the truth has been concealed,” said Saurabh Bharadwaj, a senior AAP leader and Cabinet Minister.
He pointed out that several high-ranking officials, including Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar and PWD Secretary Anbarasu, accompanied the L-G on the controversial visit. “Despite their presence, none revealed to the Supreme Court that the L-G gave verbal instructions to cut the trees,” Bharadwaj added.
He also unveiled what he described as a conspiracy to benefit local farmhouse owners. “The Ridge area trees were cut down to widen the road, yet this could have been achieved by acquiring a small portion of land from each farmhouse. This would have spared the trees. The approved road widening plan, still available on the UTTIPEC website, shows these irregularities clearly,” he stated.
Rajesh Gupta, AAP MLA from Wazirpur, emphasised the environmental importance of the trees that were felled. “Trees may be voiceless, but they are vital, providing oxygen, fruits, and shade to multiple generations. The Kejriwal government has been planting millions of trees in Delhi, achieving the highest green cover among Indian metropolitan cities. In stark contrast, the L-G, has overseen the destruction of 1,100 trees in an eco-sensitive zone. This act is akin to murdering an animal,” Gupta said.
“With pollution levels critically high in North India, the destruction of these trees exacerbates an already dire situation,” he said.
