A “Kafka-esque silence” on the controversial issue of tree-cutting in Delhi for the Commonwealth Games has finally been broken — and it’s by none other than Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Noted author, Ajeet Cour, a resident of Siri Fort, wrote to several authorities complaining that the trees around her colony were being axed for the Games.

Then, in an emotional letter to the PM in July, she also complained of a “Kafka-esque silence” on part of the authorities when residents complained against the loss of their local environment.

Now, the Prime Minister has replied to her pleas, saying he has directed the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor to look into the issue of tree-cutting for the Games.

Residents have also moved the Supreme Court to stall the cutting of scores of old trees on August Kranti road linking Kamala Nehru College and Siri Fort.

The trees are supposed to be cut down for a PWD road-widening project for the delegations travelling during the Games. The case is likely to come up in the Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC), the forest panel of the SC, on September 29.

“I have seen your letter regarding the environmental impact of hosting the Commonwealth Games in Delhi,” said the PM’s letter. “I assure you that the Government is committed to ensuring that all environmental norms are strictly complied with in the various construction works related to the Commonwealth Games. I’m requesting the Chief Minister and L-G to examine the issues raised by you,” it said.

... contd.