A fact-finding committee established by the Delhi government has raised serious allegations against the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) concerning the illegal felling of 1,100 trees in the Southern Ridge area of Satbari. On Tuesday, the committee visited the site and accused the DDA of attempting to erase evidence of the unauthorised activity. The committee asserted that the DDA had illegally cut down the trees to facilitate the expansion of Gaushala Road.
The DDA’s construction project involved building an approach road extending from Gaushala Road to South Asian University (1.1 km) and from South Asian University to the Central Armed Police Forces Institute for Medical Sciences (1.53 km). The project site is located within the eco-sensitive zone surrounding the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. Delhi Urban Development Minister, a member of the committee, expressed concerns over ongoing construction activities despite a Supreme Court order to halt such work. The minister observed the presence of bulldozers and visible signs of construction, suggesting that the number of felled trees could be determined by examining the remnants of roots and trunks. To obscure the uprooting, soil layering was reportedly being conducted. The Supreme Court is currently hearing a contempt petition against DDA Vice-Chairman Subhashish Panda for violating its directives by cutting trees illegally.
Emails purportedly sent by the executive engineer to the contractor, allegedly on the orders of the Lt-Governor, have further complicated the situation. However, the engineer has denied sending these emails. The next Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for July 12, just a day before the committee is expected to submit its report. The committee criticised the decision to clear trees in the protected forest area, suggesting that land from nearby farmhouses could have been acquired instead. Allegations were made that the DDA may have conspired with farmhouse owners, as the road expansion could significantly benefit them financially. Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi, also on the panel, pointed to potential collusion among officers to protect higher-ups, noting that officers were making excuses, failing to submit papers, and avoiding meetings, likely under the direction of their superiors.
The minister assured that the committee would present its findings to the Supreme Court. “If trees are cut illegally under the supervision of the highest authority, who will protect the interests of Delhi’s residents? We will submit the Fact-Finding Committee’s report to the Supreme Court and hope that strict action is taken against those responsible,” she stated. According to the Indian State Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, Delhi has 19,500 hectares of forest cover, amounting to 13.15% of the state’s geographical area, with the Southern Ridge covering approximately 6,200 hectares. The illegal felling of 1,100 trees in Delhi’s Ridge area has sparked significant controversy and led to a thorough investigation by the Delhi government. The committee’s findings and the upcoming Supreme Court hearing will be critical in determining the consequences for those involved and ensuring the protection of Delhi’s ecological assets. The situation underscores the urgent need for strict adherence to environmental regulations and accountability for those who violate them.
