The Aarey Colony, a greenbelt in suburban Goregaon, was the site of a protest on Sunday by environmental activists and members of political parties, including the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), against the newly elected Maharashtra government's plan to erect a Metro-3 car shed there.
The controversy that resurfaced after the Eknath Shinde-led coalition government in Maharashtra with the BJP took office concerns the new administration's proposal to move the Metro-3 car shed project back to Mumbai's Aarey forest, a 1,800-acre area that is frequently referred to as the megalopolis's "green lung."
After the Mumbai civic body's council authorised a plan by Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) to clear over 2,700 trees from Aarey neighbourhood in order to construct a car shed for the Metro, the controversy broke out in September 2019.
While Devendra Fadnavis of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was the state's chief minister, the project had already begun. Uddhav Thackeray of the Shiv Sena took over as leader of the BJP in 2019 and cancelled the project in the face of fierce opposition and fury from environmentalists. The administration also ordered the dismissal of some of the demonstrators' legal proceedings.
The proposed vehicle shed site had been moved from Aarey Colony to Kanjurmarg by the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) administration on the grounds of environmental protection.
Environmental groups claim that the forest is an important habitat for wildlife, including some indigenous species, as well as a source of clean air for city dwellers. Five lakh trees are said to be present in the forest, which also has a few rivers and lakes flowing through it. The project is now being promoted by the government as a solution to the city's traffic issue and as a "necessity for development."
Environmentalists and activists are upset with the new government's move. They contend that clearing forests will largely wipe off the region's biodiversity. The Aarey Forest, which covers 1,800 acres, is frequently referred to as the "Lung of Mumbai." The Aarey forest is home to 300 different animal species including leopards.?
Environmentalists claim that the forest offers important habitat for wildlife, including some rare species, as well as a source of clean air for city dwellers. Five lakh trees are said to be present in the forest, which also has a few rivers and lakes flowing through it. The area is still clean because of the big green area nearby.
Another effect of deforestation is that there may be more conflicts between humans and animals. If the animals in the Aarey forest are deprived of their habitats, they will eventually move into human-populated regions, endangering the lives of inhabitants.
In terms of the environment, Aarey Milk Colony has been crucial for Mumbai. There are lakes, nurseries, gardens, and animal husbandry. There is a picnic area named Chhota Kashmir that is surrounded by lush vegetation and a lake and is quite popular with tourists. In addition, Aarey is close to a zoo and Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
The foundation of Aarey Colony was set by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. To advance the dairy sector in Mumbai, Pandit Nehru founded Aarey Milk Colony in 1951. He planted saplings on this occasion.? Following Nehru's plantings, many individuals planted trees nearby that the region quickly transformed into a forest. There are only trees can be seen everywhere in this 3166-acre space.
Aarey Milk Colony was conceived in 1949 with the goal of enhancing Mumbai's dairy industry. Dara Nusserwanji Khurody, who is regarded as the father of the dairy industry in Mumbai, was the initial source of the concept. In 1963, he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award jointly with Dr. Verghese Kurien, who was well-known for milk revolution in India.
Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, claimed on Sunday that some "pseudo-environmentalists" who oppose the move may be "sponsored" in their opposition.?
Fadnavis reaffirmed that no additional trees would be cut for the project and stated that although environmentalists have the freedom to voice their opinions, they should not overlook the facts. All authorities, ranging from the National Green Tribunal to the Supreme Court, have approved the construction of the metro shed. Almost 25% of the work is already underway.
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