AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj alleges illegal encroachment and tree cutting on forest land in Delhi’s Chhatarpur, questioning the BJP-led government’s role.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj has accused the BJP-led Delhi government of allowing alleged encroachment and illegal tree cutting on forest land in the Chhatarpur area. He claimed that construction activity is taking place behind temporary tin-sheet barriers on or around forest land.

Saurabh Bharadwaj made the allegations while raising concerns over the environmental situation in Delhi. He specifically referred to the Chhatarpur 100-Foot Road and 60-Foot Road, Lane No. 1, alleging that trees were being illegally cut and construction work was being carried out in the area.

The allegations come amid continued scrutiny of alleged encroachment and tree felling in Chhatarpur. Recent legal proceedings have also focused on alleged encroachment on forest and village-common land and tree cutting in the area.

Saurabh Bharadwaj Questions Government Over Alleged Encroachment

In a post on X, Bharadwaj alleged that forest land worth hundreds of crores of rupees was being targeted for encroachment. He claimed that green and blue tin-sheet structures had been erected and that tree cutting and construction were allegedly taking place behind them.

Saurabh Bharadwaj also questioned whether the Environment and Forest Department was taking adequate action to prevent such activities.

The Delhi Forest and Wildlife Department is responsible for forest-related matters in the national capital and operates mechanisms for reporting threats involving trees, forest land and wildlife.

Allegations of Political Patronage

The AAP leader further alleged that builders were active in the Chhatarpur area with political backing. He claimed that the development of commercial and luxury properties in the region had increased pressure on surrounding forest areas.

Saurabh Bharadwaj linked the alleged tree cutting and encroachment to Delhi’s environmental concerns, arguing that the loss of green cover could add to the city’s pollution and ecological problems. These claims are allegations made by Bharadwaj and would require verification by the concerned authorities.

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Questions Raised Over Forest and Environment Department

Saurabh Bharadwaj also questioned the role of Delhi’s Environment and Forest Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and other government agencies. He alleged that authorities including the Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Chief Minister’s Office and the Lieutenant Governor’s office had failed to take sufficient action.

The Delhi government officially lists the Department of Forests and Wildlife as responsible for protecting Delhi’s forests and wildlife. The department also maintains systems for tree-felling permissions and complaints related to forest and tree protection.

Chhatarpur Has Faced Recent Encroachment and Tree-Felling Scrutiny

The issue has gained attention in recent months. In September, Delhi authorities carried out a demolition drive in Chhatarpur against unauthorised structures as part of road-widening work.

Separately, the National Green Tribunal sought a status report from the Delhi government in a case concerning alleged illegal tree felling and encroachment at a Chhatarpur farmhouse.

The Delhi High Court has also recently dealt with allegations concerning encroachment and tree cutting involving forest and village-common land in Chhatarpur.

Delhi’s Forest Protection Remains a Key Environmental Issue

Delhi’s forest areas and Ridge play an important ecological role in the capital. The government has established the Delhi Ridge Management Board to oversee the protection, restoration and regulation of activities in the Delhi Ridge and Morphological Ridge.

The latest political controversy has once again brought the issue of forest protection, alleged encroachment and tree cutting in Chhatarpur into focus. Further action and official findings will determine the status of the specific allegations raised by the AAP leader.