Environmental Awareness Drive Stopped Amid Police Intervention in Delhi

Environment Minister Gopal Rai accused Delhi Police of halting the government's 'Harit Kalash Yatra,' a tree plantation campaign, following orders from Lt Governor VK Saxena. Despite necessary permissions, the event aimed at combating pollution was disrupted, leading to criticism of prioritizing crackdowns over addressing rising crime rates.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Environment Minister Gopal Rai accused the Delhi Police of obstructing the government's 'Harit Kalash Yatra,' an awareness campaign focused on tree plantation in Connaught Place. Rai claimed the disruption followed orders from Lt Governor VK Saxena.

The scheduled event, part of the Delhi government's winter action plan to tackle pollution, faced police intervention despite having prior permissions. 'Approximately 1,500 women from various parts of Delhi gathered, but as soon as they lifted the Kalash on their heads, the police shut down the program,' Rai stated.

Criticizing the move, Rai highlighted the discrepancy in enforcement, accusing the authorities of focusing on canceling the event instead of addressing the city's rising crime rates. He pointed out that while the LG can cut trees without permission, an authorized environmental campaign faces stringent policing.