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The Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) has defended the recent tree felling incident in the city, claiming that he was not informed about the need for prior permission before the trees were cut down. In an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, the L-G stated that the actions of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) officials, while technically a mistake, were taken in good faith and for the benefit of the public. The affidavit further emphasizes that the DDA has already initiated departmental action against the officials responsible for the error.
This incident has raised concerns about the implementation of environmental regulations in Delhi, particularly the process for obtaining permission before felling trees. The L-G's claim that he was not informed about the requirement for prior permission raises further questions about communication and coordination within the government. While the L-G acknowledges the mistake, he insists that the actions of the DDA officials were motivated by a desire to serve the public interest. This justification, however, is likely to be challenged by environmental groups and legal experts who argue that the public interest cannot justify bypassing environmental regulations.
The Supreme Court is now expected to examine the L-G's explanation and consider the arguments presented by all parties involved. The outcome of this case will have implications for the way environmental regulations are enforced in Delhi and may set a precedent for similar cases across the country. It will be important to assess whether the court accepts the L-G's explanation of a lack of information or if it holds the government accountable for the failure to comply with the legal process for tree felling. The case also highlights the need for clear communication and coordination between different government agencies to ensure that environmental regulations are followed in a transparent and accountable manner.