Illegal Tree Cutting Near Ahmedabad’s Law Garden Sparks Row; Zoo Dept Supervisor Served Notice

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s Zoo Department has come under scrutiny after a tree was allegedly cut without the required permission at Rasala Natural Park near Law Garden. The incident came to light after Ellisbridge MLA Amit Shah raised the issue with the civic authorities, following which the tree-cutting work was stopped and a show-cause notice was issued to a Zoo Department supervisor.

Tree Cut Near Garden Department Office

The incident occurred at Rasala Natural Park, located close to the Garden Department office at Law Garden. According to the complaint, the Zoo Department had begun cutting a tree considered to be in poor condition without obtaining the necessary approval.

The incident has raised questions over the functioning of the civic body’s Garden Department, which is responsible for the protection and maintenance of trees in the city.

The work was halted after MLA Amit Shah brought the matter to the department’s attention.

Supervisor Asked To Explain Within Two Days

Following the complaint, a show-cause notice was issued to Zoo Department supervisor Mukesh Chaudhary.

The notice states that the Zoo Department superintendent had instructed staff to trim the tree, but the entire tree was allegedly cut instead. The department described the action as causing environmental damage and sought an explanation from the supervisor within two days.

The notice further warned that disciplinary action could follow if the explanation submitted by the supervisor was found unsatisfactory.

Zoo Department Says Tree Had Become Dangerous

Assistant Municipal Commissioner of the Zoo Department Pankaj Bhut said the action followed a complaint from a resident living behind Rasala Natural Park.

According to Bhut, the resident had reported that the tree had become hollow from inside and posed a safety risk. Staff subsequently carried out work on the tree, but the supervisor failed to obtain the required permission before proceeding.

Bhut said the administration has taken the unauthorised work seriously and that action would be taken against the official found responsible.

Civic Body Faces Questions Over Tree Protection

The episode has sparked fresh questions over tree protection and permission procedures within the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. The fact that the incident occurred at a park located next to the Garden Department’s own office has also drawn attention.

The civic administration is now expected to examine why the required permission was not obtained and why the tree was cut despite instructions reportedly being limited to trimming it.