Delhi Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Saurabh Bharadwaj has claimed that substantial areas of forest land in the capital are being encroached upon, valued at several hundred crores of rupees. He attributes this illegal activity to the protection offered by the current government led by Rekha Gupta. Bharadwaj made these allegations through a post on X, where he highlighted the severity of the situation.

According to Bharadwaj, illegal construction and the felling of trees are taking place behind makeshift barriers represented by green and blue tin sheets. He pointed out that these acts are occurring under a veneer of distraction, where loud music from DJs is played to mask the unlawful activities. The post underscores the seriousness of the encroachment as it supposedly affects valuable forest land.

Specific Allegations Against Builder Mafia

In his statement, Bharadwaj specifically mentioned the involvement of the builder mafia, particularly in the vicinity of Chhattarpur 100-foot Road. He contended that this group was operating under direct political support, drawing attention to the recent development of luxury malls in the area as fuel for their greed. He alleged that the situation showcases a broader trend of unchecked encroachment and exploitation in Delhi.

Furthermore, Bharadwaj accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of hypocrisy regarding environmental issues. He stated that while the government publicly addresses pollution and conservation, the reality is starkly different. “This is at the cost of your lungs,” he remarked, deriding the disconnect between the government’s rhetoric and the environmental harm caused by illegal tree cutting.

His comments included a critique of the so-called environmental initiatives presented by the BJP government, pointing to their slogan, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree in the Name of Mother), which he felt contradicted the ongoing illegal activities that threaten local forests. Bharadwaj highlighted the urgency of these concerns for public health and environmental integrity.

Criticism of Government Agencies Involved

Bharadwaj extended his criticism to the Environment and Forest Department, led by Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, suggesting that the department is failing to fulfil its mandate of protecting forest areas. He accused it of potentially engaging in a “criminal conspiracy” to facilitate the appropriation of forest land instead. This raises alarm over the agency’s accountability and effectiveness in safeguarding vital ecological resources.

Additionally, Bharadwaj has raised questions regarding the roles of various governmental agencies in tackling the alleged encroachments. He tagged several authorities, including the Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Chief Minister’s Office, and the Lieutenant Governor’s office, in his social media post, demanding accountability and transparency. His statements suggest a growing public concern about the efficacy of these bodies in managing and preserving the environment in Delhi.

The situation has prompted calls for immediate attention from authorities, with Bharadwaj urging action to preserve Delhi’s green cover and restore the integrity of forested areas threatened by encroachment and illegal activities. The allegations raise important questions about governance, environmental protection, and the role of political patronage in urban development issues.

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