Delhi Lt Governor Tells Supreme Court He Was Unaware of Tree Felling Permissions

New Delhi: Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena informed the Supreme Court that he was unaware of the requirement for court permission to fell trees in the Ridge area, an extension of the Aravallis. His statement came in a personal affidavit submitted before a Wednesday hearing.

The Supreme Court had requested Mr. Saxena, who also serves as the chairperson of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), to clarify the measures being taken to hold accountable those responsible for the alleged illegal felling of over 600 trees. The court specifically asked him to address whether there had been any discussions regarding the need for permission and when he became aware of this requirement.

In his affidavit, Saxena recounted a visit to the Ridge area on February 3, where a medical facility for the CAPF is planned. He acknowledged the importance of the project and the resources already invested. During his visit, he also stopped at a site for road widening, but no one informed him that court approval was necessary for tree removal.

The Supreme Court is currently addressing a contempt case involving several DDA and Delhi government officials related to the tree felling incident. The court indicated that, should the chairperson concur, criminal action might be pursued against those responsible for the unauthorized cutting of trees.