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No more Delhi trees to be cut till July 4, says High Court

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No more Delhi trees to be cut till July 4, says High Court

The Delhi High Court on Monday, June 25 said that no more trees will be cut for now in Delhi, putting on hold a controversial project that requires cutting of at least 17,000 trees on the account of re-development in the capital.

The Delhi High court on Monday directed state-owned construction company National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) to not to cut any trees.  The next date of hearing in Delhi High Court is July 4, while, National Green Tribunal (NGT) will hear the matter on July 2.

“We understand that you have to widen the road. You want to cut thousands of trees for housing. You are building some of the residential complexes but can Delhi afford it today?” the judge asked the government-run NBCC, which is overseeing the project.

The court questioned Central Public Works Development (CPWD) and NBCC on what basis they have the permission from the authorities. “Have you taken permission from the tree authority?” the bench questioned.

Petitioner Dr. KK Mishra, an orthopedic surgeon, said that since the decision involved the tree authority, the court could hear it. Mishra, in his petition, asks the court to stop the central government project to cut thousands of trees for what it calls “redevelopment” of seven colonies in south Delhi.

Mishra has asked the Delhi High Court to stop the Central government project to cut thousands of trees for what it calls “redevelopment of seven colonies” in south Delhi.

“More than 20,000 trees will be cut in the main south Delhi area. A CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report states there is a deficit of nine lakh trees in Delhi. I hope the court will put a stay on the order,” the petitioner told reporters. He further said that thousands of trees going to be cut or brought down and it could have an irreversible impact on the Environment.

Mishra filed petition seeking court orders to set aside the terms of reference (ToR) and environment clearances (EC) granted for re-development of six South Delhi colonies by Centre, contending that it would lead to felling of over 16,500 trees.

According to environmentalists, saplings cannot replace fully grown trees for years in Delhi, which is among the most-polluted cities in the world.

No more Delhi trees to be cut till July 4, says High Court

About 1,500 protesters at Sarojini Nagar, one of the colonies chosen for the project, hugged the trees, launching their own “Chipko Movement”(a forest conservation movement where people embraced trees to prevent them from being cut in Uttarakhand in the 1970s).  Activist Chhavi Methi said: “We will rally outside the Sarojini Nagar police station on Sunday at about 4.30 p.m. and hug the trees as an act of protest.”

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders slammed the BJP-led government for maintaining silence over the matter.

Joined by the AAP leaders, protestors including children and senior citizens came out on the streets of Sarojini Nagar with placards and banners. The agitating people had come from different areas of Delhi-NCR to mount pressure on the government.

Hardeep Singh Puri, the union minister of state for housing and urban development said, “Till the time I am a minister no tree will be cut and for every tree that is cut we will plant 10 trees. Green cover will go up by three times after re-development of seven colonies in South Delhi. Young activists are too fast to blame.” Puri had faced criticism on social media when he justified the project and said all trees would be replaced by saplings.

“It is not just about a tree it is the entire ecosystem that thrives on it, the insects the birds the animals, over it chopping down a 50-year-old tree and replacing it with a sapling, how foolish! Afforestation is not the replacement for deforestation,” a Twitter user commented.

“Be careful with your tone. Just because I am a public servant, you cannot take the liberty of being offensive. All this predates me. The decision taken will ensure that at no point in time will there be even one less tree in the area,” Puri tweeted.

For the South Delhi redevelopment project, over 3,000 trees have already been cut in parts of the city like Nauroji Nagar and Netaji Nagar in South Delhi according to reports.

NBCC and Central Public Works Department gave assurance to Delhi High Court that they will not cut any trees till July 4, next date of hearing in the case.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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