AAP Protests Tree Felling in Delhi's Southern Ridge

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers protested near the BJP office in Delhi over the alleged cutting of 1100 trees in the Southern Ridge area. They accused the Lt Governor and the BJP-led Centre of the act. The Supreme Court is investigating the matter.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers staged a protest near the BJP office on DDU Marg over the alleged felling of 1100 trees in Delhi's Southern Ridge area. The demonstrators, some wearing masks of Delhi LG VK Saxena, carried saw cutouts and tree stumps, and formed a human chain.

The protesters blamed the Lt Governor of the BJP-led Centre, accusing him of ordering the tree felling in the protected forest area. The Supreme Court, which is examining the case, has criticized both LG VK Saxena and the AAP government.

AAP alleged the trees were cut for a Delhi Development Authority (DDA) road widening project on the LG's verbal orders. In contrast, the BJP claimed the trees were felled with the approval of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Environment Minister Gopal Rai. Addressing the protesters, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the LG visited the Ridge in February and issued verbal instructions to cut down the trees. He also suggested the trees could have been saved by using land from nearby farmhouses. The protest included MLA Rajesh Gupta and leaders Reena Gupta and Adil Ahmad Khan.

(With inputs from agencies.)