Only old trees with no ecological value removed, said the Delhi Zoo director (Archive)The Delhi Forest Department has initiated a probe into the ‘large-scale’ felling of trees at the National Zoological Park, popularly known as the Delhi Zoo, following a complaint, senior officials said Monday.A senior forest official, requesting anonymity, said, “The probe was launched two days ago immediately after the department was alerted… that a large-scale tree offence has taken place. The matter is being investigated… only based on the outcome, it will be clear what exactly happened, whether it was pruning or something else.”In response to the allegations, Delhi Zoo Director Dr Sanjeet Kumar told The Indian Express, “The Delhi Zoo is completely eco-friendly… We always ensure that trees are not unnecessarily harmed in any manner.”He said he was intimated about the matter after he saw a few GPS map camera images that captured many uprooted trees. “Last month, because of the winter, we lopped off the branches of a few trees and pruning was done so animals get adequate sunlight. No purpose is served by cutting trees unnecessarily,” Kumar said, adding that the zoo authorities maintain utmost care in such matters.The Director was uncertain regarding the exact number of trees that were pruned and maintained that only “old uprooted trees which have no ecological value” were removed.“The trees were dangerous… To protect animals and to ensure a proper environment for winter migratory birds, a few cases of routine, maintenance work was done,” Kumar said.A senior forest official, asked about the next course of action, said, “Depending on the facts of the case, if there has been an illegal activity, the next step will be to issue a notice or take appropriate legal action… As part of the initial inquiry, the zoo authorities have clarified that as per management and routine practice… only dead trees were uprooted.”Story continues below this adUnder the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, no one can cut or remove a tree, whether on their property or elsewhere, without prior permission from the tree officer. However, a landowner can cut a tree if it poses an immediate danger to life, property or traffic but must inform the tree officer within 24 hours of the felling.© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd