Maa Aarkee, one of the largest garba organisers in Vadodara, had put up chairs all around the Vadodara Municipal Corporation-owned ground for viewers, which apparently damaged the saplings.

The Vadodara Municipal Corporation had planted 1,151 banyan and neem saplings in the complex on August 14. Among those who planted saplings included Mayor Bharati Vyas and Civil Supplies Minister Jaspal Singh.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner (General) I B Peerzada told Express Newsline on Tuesday that 140 saplings were damaged and the VMC had decided not to refund the deposit. ``The deposit will make up for the fine,'' he added.

While many saplings were received free-of-cost from the Forest Department, the ones damaged were purchased by the VMC, Parks and Gardens Director Mohanbhai Patel claimed, adding that each cost nearly Rs 20. He had earlier written to the Tourist Officer asking to withheld the deposit.

Patel claimed the organisers had put up tin sheds between the chairs and saplings to protect the latter, however the public barged into the tin sheds, damaging the saplings.

Terming what had happened as unfortunate, S B More, a security guard posted at the Complex by the VMC, recalled that the public did not even pay heed to organisers' instructions, leave aside that of private security posted.

``People broke tin sheds to get entry into the viewers' arena,'' he said, adding the crowd was uncontrollable.

A small entry gate and a portion of the wall was also damaged, but that was being repaired, Peerzada stated.