Delhi Ridge controversy: AAP and BJP clash over tree felling

`Tensions between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) escalated over allegations regarding the "illegal" felling of trees in Delhi's ridge area.

On July 6, the BJP claimed that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal sanctioned the decision to cut trees on January 24, stating that a document is released by the party.

According to the BJP, Kejriwal not only authorized the tree-cutting order but also asserted that the Lieutenant Governor must adhere to the advice of the Chief Minister and the cabinet in this regard.

In response, the AAP challenged the BJP's claims, questioning why the party did not present this alleged permission document during recent Supreme Court proceedings.

The AAP emphasized that while the Supreme Court is addressing concerns related to 1,100 trees, the BJP has only produced documents pertaining to 424 trees, suggesting discrepancies between the documented and reported numbers.

Jasmine Shah, a senior AAP leader, criticized both the BJP and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena for their silence on the matter since it surfaced.

The controversy has drawn significant attention, particularly after the Supreme Court's recent admonishment of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for the tree felling in the capital's ridge area.

The court emphasized the critical importance of environmental protection, stating that authorities cannot neglect their statutory and constitutional responsibilities.

In response to a suo moto contempt case against the DDA vice-president, the Supreme Court proposed an extensive tree plantation drive in Delhi, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of tree-protection laws.

This initiative follows a severe heat wave that recently swept through the city, claiming numerous lives, prompting the court to advocate for robust environmental conservation measures.