AAP Govt cleared proposal to fell trees in 2017: Gupta

Accusing the Delhi Government of misleading the people about axing of trees in areas of Netaji Nagar and Naoroji Nagar, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta on Saturday said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government gave its go-ahead in October 2017 for the same.

AAP leaders started misleading people by staging dramatic protests against the move after the decision was severely criticised, Gupta alleged.

He further said in the last three-and-a-half years, the Delhi Government did nothing to protect environment and greenery despite repeatedly reprimanded by the courts and the National Green Tribunal to even impose fines for violation.

It is being said by the Government that fresh trees cannot be planted as land has not been made available for plantation which is totally false. In the notifications dated November 15, 2017 and April 23, 2018 issued by the Delhi Government, it has admitted that Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had made land available for compensatory plantation on July 28, 2017. The AAP Government said that land has not been provided for compensatory plantation that is clear false,” he said.

Gupta said felling of trees was allowed to go on but no action was taken for compensatory plantation despite land available for planting trees. When the people protested against cutting trees, AAP leaders and the Ministers of the Government started blaming the Union Government and the BJP for the same, he said.

He further clarified that after NBCC sought permission for felling of trees, the recommendations and approval given by Minister for Environment and Forests Imran Hussain and was given assent by the Lieutenant Governor.

Gupta said it is clear from the notifications issued by the Environment and Forest Department of the Delhi Government that NBCC was asked to deposit Rs. 22,54,35,000 (Rs 8,35,05,000 +Rs 14,19,30,000) towards compensatory forestation which was deposited also.