Mumbai: Are officials trying to kill the trees inside Aarey, ask activists

Rocks are seen around the base of trees inside the VIP guest house compound at Aarey Milk Colony on Monday. Pics/Anurag Ahire

It has come to light that stones have been dumped at the base of at least 10 trees amid repair work inside the compound of the VIP guest house at Aarey Milk Colony, indicating that the authorities couldn't care less about nature. A chain-link fence is also being erected by workers around the complex.

A pedestrian who did not wish to be named told mid-day he was witness to the sorry sight. "The VIP guest house stands on a hillock with dense forest cover. The need of the hour is to protect the green cover but recently when I visited the area, I was shocked to see that the base of the trees was covered with stones. This needs to be stopped because if they pour concrete around the trees, they might die," the pedestrian said.

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Green activist Zoru Bhathena has complained about the matter to the municipal commissioner, who is also the chairman of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Monitoring Committee; as well as the chief conservator of forests, SGNP, P South ward; the Tree Authority; and chief engineer, public works department, Mumbai Region. The guest house is located inside Aarey forest - which is designated a green zone in the Development Plan 2034 - and is a part of the SGNP ESZ. The guest house's visitors include a former Prime Minister of India and the late queen of England.

Bhathena's letter read, "The PWD issued a tender in January 2022 for the restoration and preservation of this historic and natural guest house, and restoration work has started at the site. However, we are shocked to see that work is being carried out without any care for the forest and the natural surroundings. One photo example of how the green area and trees are being concretised is attached to give an understanding of the extent of the damage being caused to this pristine natural area."

The letter also states that the purpose of the ESZ Notification, which mentions what can and cannot be done inside eco-sensitive zones, is to ensure the conservation and protection of the natural ecology of SGNP.

"It specifically provides that there shall be no reduction in the green area and that all sites of valuable natural heritage shall be preserved. The Forest Conservation Act also provides for the protection and conservation of the forest (the Aarey forest surrounds the guest house building on all four sides). The Development Rules of Mumbai provide for the preservation of this area. The Tree Act prohibits such damage to all trees in Mumbai. The guest house area, thus, has four levels of natural protection," the letter stated.

Bhathena has requested the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to stop the alleged illegal construction in the compound and to take steps for the restoration, preservation and conservation of the area. A senior official from the Aarey CEO's office, meanwhile, said, "Instructions have been given to the officials concerned to clear the stones surrounding the trees at the earliest. While carrying out renovation and compound work, we will see to it that everything is done in an environment-friendly manner."