India, May 22 -- An advocate has filed a complaint with the state forest department alleging illegal and arbitrary cutting of trees by Public Works Department (PWD) officials for expansion of a drain in Shalimar Bagh, citing section 8 of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994.

The complainant alleged that over 20 trees have been felled along the stretch between blocks AE and AD without permission from the tree officer (north forest division).

The forest department said an enquiry has been initiated. "A complaint was received and as per the process, a restraining order is issued first, followed by proceedings where the party is allowed to present its case," an official said.

Meanwhile, a PWD official said, "All work is being c...