The protest was led by AAP Youth Wing's Raviraj Kale. Protesters registered their opposition to the tree felling by presenting a 'money tree' to garden department official Mahesh Gargote.
The party alleged that documents regarding the number and age of the trees were tampered with while obtaining permission for the felling, thereby misleading the Tree Authority. A memorandum was submitted to the municipal commissioner demanding an inquiry into the matter and action against the guilty officials and employees.
Demands were also made to investigate the No Objection Certificate (NOC) granted to the construction project in question and to take legal action against those responsible for the illegal tree felling.
Kale warned that the felling of 52 trees is a major environmental loss, and if an immediate inquiry and suspension action are not initiated, a city-wide agitation will be launched. Environmentalists and citizens were present during the protest. The municipal corporation has not yet responded to these allegations.
