Environmentalists say troublemakers trying to show the BMC’s corrected plans in bad light
The document urges authorities to not concretise Aarey Road. File pic
Some unknown activists have circulated a Google Form titled ‘Objecting concretisation of Aarey Forest Road (Dinkarrao Desai Marg) and Suggestions’, demanding speed-breakers at every 200 metres and wildlife crossing at every 500 metres. However, the BMC has already clarified that the existing main road will not be widened, nor a single tree cut. BMC has also assured to put in place mitigation measures for the safe passage of wild animals.
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The document is addressed to Environment and Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray; Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, BMC commissioner IS Chahal among others.
Concrete road a neccessity
The document states, “We citizens of Mumbai including Adivasis, stable owners, Royal Palms residents, other residents and commuters of Aarey Forest request you to not renew the Aarey Road (Dinkarrao Desai Marg) by making it of concrete with cement.”
Firoz Patel, President of Aarey Milk Producers’ Association said, “We would like to clarify that our association is not opposing the concretisation of the road. The concrete road will not only help solve the potholes issue but will also help reduce the traffic issue and air pollution caused by traffic jams. We would appreciate it if BMC could construct environment-friendly footpaths on either side of the main road. We also appeal to the government that they should also repair the 45-km long internal roads in Aarey which are in bad shape.”
The Google Form further states, “Please bring back the closure of all Aarey roads from 7 pm to 7 am for all non-resident vehicles as it was before. It will give some peaceful time to the wildlife. Many of them are nocturnal, including the prime mammal of Aarey-SGNP that is the leopard (also Schedule I Species).”
‘Show your faces’
Green activist Zoru Bhathena, who is also associated with Aarey Conservation Group said, “It is true that BMC had planned to widen the main Aarey road when concretising it. It is also true that several trees would have been affected if this happened. However, the moment we brought this disastrous plan to the attention of the authorities, they immediately took corrective steps. They abandoned the widening plans, added wildlife mitigation measures and even planned much-needed traffic restrictions at night.”
‘Disillusioned people’
He further said, “Instead of appreciating that such speedy corrective steps have been taken to protect the Aarey Forest, we have a few disillusioned people who are trying their best to show the corrected plans in a bad light.”
Environmentalist Stalin D, also a member of Aarey Conservation Group (ACG) said, “Impractical demands and hardline stances cannot be called activism. Shutting the roads at night to allow the movement of wildlife is a proper demand. Underpasses and protection measures are needed for conserving the forests and wildlife. People who are campaigning need to show their faces and step up to answer the queries of affected citizens. Misuse of tools like Google Forms to foment trouble is not correct.”
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