Modern-Day Chipko Movement? Mumbaikars Form Human Chain To Save Belapur Hills

In an incident reminiscent of the Chipko movement, residents and nature enthusiasts in Navi Mumbai joined hands on Sunday to quietly protest against the destruction of Belapur Hill. The residents, which included many women as well, expressed their concerns about rapid encroachments, illegal temple construction, and tree cutting.

The Chipko movement was a non-violent environmental movement in India, primarily in the state of Uttarakhand (formerly known as Uttar Pradesh) during the 1970s, characterised by villagers - especially women - hugging trees to protect them from being cut down by loggers.?

Chipko movement/ SUGi Project

Stop murder of trees, say residents

Carrying banners with messages like 'Save Belapur Hills' and 'Stop Murder of Trees,' residents gathered near MGM Hospital junction in Belapur to form a human chain.?

B N Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation, pointed out that despite residents raising concerns for nine years, numerous illegal temples have sprung up on the hill. NatConnect Foundation is an environmental protection organization located in Mumbai.

Kumar noted the participation of many housewives and children in the movement, who took time to support the cause silently.?

BCCL

Concerns over illegal temples and lack of government action

The issue dates back to 2015 when temple construction in the Belapur hill had first begun.

Kapil Kulkarni, a local resident, expressed concern that encroachments are increasing without any government intervention, noting that, "Now we can see at least 20 temples on the hill."?

Another resident, Himanshu Katkar, found it alarming that illegal structures even have access to water and power connections.

In response to NatConnect's complaint about the risk of landslides in the upcoming monsoon due to the structures weakening the hill, the chief minister instructed the Urban Development department to investigate.?

However, Cidco, which controls the forest land, has yet to take decisive action. Meanwhile, NatConnect has filed an RTI application to learn about the steps taken to protect the hill. Kumar also notified the Cidco chief vigilance officer, who mentioned that a committee is reviewing the matter.

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