AAP Youth Wing Protests Over Felling of 52 Trees Near PCMC Headquarters

• Raviraj Kale demands action against officials; warns of agitation if no inquiry is initiated

Pimpri-Chinchwad : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Youth Wing has protested against the alleged irregularities in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s Garden Department over the felling of 52 old trees near the civic headquarters.

Led by AAP Youth Wing state president Raviraj Kale, party workers presented a symbolic “money tree” to Garden Department officials as a mark of protest. They alleged that officials had manipulated records relating to the age and number of trees to facilitate a private construction project. These allegations have not been independently established.

AAP has submitted a memorandum to the PCMC Commissioner seeking an immediate inquiry and action against those responsible. The party has also demanded cancellation of the NOC issued for the project and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tree felling.

The issue had earlier drawn attention after reports that 52 old trees near the PCMC headquarters were removed for a private housing project. Reports also said 33 trees were uprooted and that the civic body had recovered a compensatory amount from the developer.

Kale said the authorities should take action against officials if any violations are established. He warned that AAP would launch a city-wide agitation if the administration failed to initiate an inquiry.

AAP Youth Wing state vice-president Rishikesh Kanawate, youth city president Vicky Pasote, Yogesh Gaikwad, environmental activists and citizens were present.