AAP Alleges LG's Actions Hamper Delhi's Green Initiatives

The Aam Aadmi Party has accused Lt Governor V K Saxena of undermining the Delhi government's efforts to combat pollution by allowing the unauthorized felling of 1,100 trees in the Satbari ridge area. AAP leaders highlighted long-term efforts to increase Delhi's green cover, alleging LG's actions contravene Supreme Court rules.

The Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday accused Lt Governor V K Saxena of thwarting the Arvind Kejriwal government's efforts to reduce pollution in Delhi by permitting the felling of 1,100 trees in the Satbari ridge area without requisite permission.

The LG's office did not immediately respond to the allegations. Addressing a press conference, AAP chief spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar stated that the party has implemented various long-term and short-term measures over the past decade to control pollution in Delhi.

'One such long-term measure is planting trees. The Delhi government has elevated the city's green cover to a historic high of about 24 percent in the last ten years,' Kakkar said. She added that the Delhi government has planted two crore trees in the last four years and is creating more city forests across several locations. Kakkar accused the LG of violating Supreme Court restrictions by allowing tree felling in eco-sensitive areas without judicial approval.