Jodhpur, Aug. 9 -- A joint committee appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to inspect the Kota Zoo in Rajasthan has submitted a detailed report on August 7, highlighting the site's rich ecological value, rare tree species, and its critical role as a wildlife rescue centre. The committee has recommended the preservation of indigenous trees, careful handling of heritage structures, and maintaining the zoo's role as a habitat for wild animals and an aviary. The inspection followed a petition filed by Babu Lal Jajoo, who approached the NGT's Central Zone Bench alleging that the Kota Development Authority planned to acquire forest land belonging to the zoo for the construction of a sports complex. He argued that the move was arbitrary, environmentally damaging, and would destroy hundreds of century-old trees that shelter endangered and protected bird species such as hornbills, bulbuls, and sunbirds. On May 26, the bench of Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and Expert Member Dr. Afroz Ahmad took cognisance of the matter, observing that a substantial environmental issue had been raised. It constituted a three-member joint committee - with representatives from the principal chief conservator of forests, the commissioner of Kota division, and the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board - to inspect the site and submit a factual and action-taken report within six weeks. It found a dense green cover with about 30 types of trees, many of them between 50 and 100 years old, including Peepal, Banyan, Kalpvriksha, Jamun, Tamarind, Kaith, and Neem. A rare Batuk Amla tree was also recorded. The report notes that local species support diverse fauna - from monkeys and hornbills feeding on Jamun fruits to bees, butterflies, and lizards - whereas exotic species being planted in urban areas neither live as long nor provide the same ecological support. The committee stressed that indigenous trees, which can live 200 to 1,000 years, should be preserved "on priority basis." The team observed 40 bird species during the visit, including peacocks, shikras, egrets, robins, and laughing doves, as well as rescued wildlife such as crocodiles, gharials, pythons, pelicans, bonnet macaques, and star tortoises. A python measuring about seven to eight feet was rescued during the inspection itself. The report further found that the zoo land - Khasra number 271, measuring 1.50 hectares - is recorded as forest land, and under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, no other work can be undertaken on it without formal diversion and approval from the competent authority. From a heritage standpoint, the committee noted that the old cages, once home to Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, and leopards, are now used for rescued animals in quarantine and could merit preservation after consultation with the concerned department. It also cautioned that Schedule-1 species currently housed there cannot be shifted without clearance from the Central Zoo Authority. The matter will next be heard by the NGT on August 26....