Supreme Court Criticizes Delhi Authorities Over Unauthorized Tree Felling

The AAP government stated the forest department informed the Supreme Court that no permission was granted to the Delhi Development Authority for cutting any trees. The court expressed shock over the silence of officials regarding the felling of 1,100 trees in the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and directed the DDA to clarify its actions.

In a significant development, the AAP government announced on Friday that the forest department has categorically told the Supreme Court that no permission was issued to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for tree felling.

The apex court, while hearing contempt proceedings related to the hacking of nearly 1,100 trees in the Ridge area of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, was taken aback by the 'silence' of senior officers involved in the matter.

Expressing deep concern over the persistent cover-up by authorities about L-G V K Saxena's role in the tree felling, the Supreme Court has ordered the Delhi Development Authority to clarify if the decision to fell the trees was based on L-G's verbal permission or an independent agency move.