Delhi LG Defends in SC: Delhi LG Vinay Saxena has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court defending the case of cutting of trees in Delhi Ridge. In this affidavit filed in the capacity of the Chairman of Delhi Development Authority i.e. DDA, the officials did not inform him that the approval of the Supreme Court is necessary before cutting trees. Three officers responsible for this have been identified and departmental and criminal action has been initiated against them.
Earlier on October 16, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud had asked the LG that when he went on a site visit on February 3, he was informed that court permission was required to cut trees. . If they were not told, when did they know that permission was necessary? If they were misled, were the officers who cut the trees identified or not? The court had also said that LG should take departmental and criminal action against these officers."text-align: justify;">Steps to replenish trees
The court had also asked what steps have been taken to compensate for the cut trees. Responding to all these things, LG has expressed regret for this situation. He said that the actual number of trees cut was 642 and not 1100 as stated in the petition. New trees are being planted in sufficient quantity in place of these trees. LG admitted that he had gone on a tour to the Southern Ridge on February 3. There were preparations to build a road for the Central Armed Police Forces Hospital (CAPFMS). He also gave instructions to do the work quickly, but no one told him that trees in the ridge can be cut only with the permission of the Supreme Court. Trees started being cut from 16th February. On March 21, he came to know that trees can be cut only by court order.
Defense of Subhashish Panda
LG has also defended DDA Vice Chairman Subhashish Panda. He told that when the trees were cut, Panda was admitted in the hospital. He had no knowledge of the matter. He returned to duty from March 12. Therefore, he should also be acquitted of the contempt case.
