'Defending Lt Governor?' Supreme Court raps Delhi authority over felling of trees
'Defending Lt Governor?' Supreme Court raps Delhi authority over felling of trees
Coming down heavily on the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) over the felling of trees in the national capital's Ridge forest area, the Supreme Court on Monday noted that it cannot brush aside "brazen acts" that led to the destruction of the environment.
"If the authorities are not performing their statutory and constitutional duties of protecting the environment, the court has to give a clear and loud signal to all authorities that the environment cannot be damaged in such a fashion," the court said.
A bench led by Justices A S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan was hearing a suo-moto contempt case against the DDA's Vice Chairman, Subhashish Panda.
The court also proposed that the agency launch a large-scale tree plantation drive in Delhi.
This comes as Delhi was under the spell of a scorching heatwave that claimed several lives.
"We are not going to take this lightly. If the authority (DDA) is not going to conform to the protection of the environment, this court has to come to the rescue and affirm clearly that environment protection cannot be taken lightly. Perhaps within the course of the hearing, the vice chairman of DDA has become clearly aware that the court has serious doubts about this entire episode," the court said.
Meanwhile, the apex court also asked the DDA to submit a clear response that the illegal felling of the tree was carried out based on the orders issued by LG VK Saxena.
The court noted that, despite having the power to direct the felling of trees, Vice Chairman Subhashish Panda cannot do so without seeking the court's permission.
"This is a serious issue. We are extremely pained to know that certain valuable trees are being felled. We expect better assistance from DDA," the court said.
The court further noted that as many as 1100 trees were chopped after the LG's visit and asked DDA counsel: "Two documents were placed on record that say the LG was directed to cut trees; how can you run away from this? Are you defending the LG?"
The matter willnow be heard on June 26.