AAP seeks Delhi L-G’s resignation for ‘approving’ felling of trees

New Delhi, August 26

The AAP on Monday launched a scathing attack on Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) VK Saxena, demanding his immediate resignation following allegations of his involvement in the illegal felling of 1,100 trees in the Satbari ridge area.

Senior AAP leaders, including Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, accused the L-G of orchestrating the destruction of Delhi’s environment in connivance with the BJP.

Addressing a press conference here, Bharadwaj presented what he described as “documentary evidence” of the L-G’s complicity in the illegal felling of trees.

“The evidence includes an affidavit submitted by the contractor responsible for the felling of trees, Satya Prakash and Brothers Private Limited,” he said. He claimed that the affidavit directly implicates the L-G and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) officials under his supervision.

Bharadwaj alleged, “The L-G appointed by the BJP got about 1,100 trees felled from the forests of Delhi illegally. This is not just an allegation in air; I am presenting it with documentary evidence.”

Challenging the L-G to address the issue openly, he said, “I am inviting Saxena for an open discussion or consider this an invitation. Stop planting news in newspapers on the issue of these trees, come out openly and tell.”

Bharadwaj read out excerpts from the affidavit, which indicated that the L-G visited the Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences (CAPFIMS) road on February 3, and directed the removal of trees obstructing the road’s Right of Way.

“The email clearly states that the L-G visited there and ordered that all trees coming in the way of the road should be felled. What bigger proof can you get than this?” Bharadwaj questioned.

He added that top Delhi officials, who were present during the L-G’s visit, failed to prevent the illegal felling of trees. “The Chief Secretary, MCD Commissioner, Principal Secretaries of PWD and Forest, DDA member engineering and the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests were all with the L-G. None had the courage to tell him that trees should not be felled illegally,” the minister said.

Similarly, Singh accused the L-G of prioritising the interests of wealthy farmhouse owners over Delhi’s environment. “The L-G is engaged in destroying trees that are vital to people’s wellbeing. As many as 1,100 trees were cut down by the L-G, and not a single word came from the BJP,” Singh said.

He alleged that according to the original plan, the land of nearby farmhouses was to be acquired for the road. But 1,100 trees were felled to save the farmhouses. Singh called for a high-level investigation into the matter and urged that all facts be presented before the Supreme Court. “Action should be taken against all responsible parties, including the L-G and all the officers involved,” he demanded.

‘1,100 trees were felled’

The L-G is engaged in destroying trees that are vital to people’s wellbeing. As many as 1,100 trees were cut down by the L-G, and not a single word came from the BJP. — Sanjay Singh, Rajya Sabha MP