Delhi Minister Accuses DDA of Illegal Tree Felling

Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has accused the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) of illegally cutting over 600 trees in the ridge area, as per an affidavit submitted in the Supreme Court. He claims that the DDA has admitted to the deed, which was allegedly approved by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena.

Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Wednesday accused the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) of illegally cutting over 600 trees in the ridge area. The allegation is based on an affidavit submitted in the Supreme Court by the DDA's vice chairman.

As per the affidavit, after an inspection by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, 468 trees were felled in the forest area and 174 in the non-forest area. Bharadwaj claimed this admission confirms that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was right in saying that 1,100 trees were felled.

The AAP on Monday demanded the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Saxena for allegedly approving the tree felling. Bharadwaj stated that the lieutenant governor had granted permission to a contractor to remove the trees obstructing the right of way.

(With inputs from agencies.)