The Maharastra government on September 2 decided to declare 600 acres of land in Arey forest as a reserve forest. Said Aditya Thackeray in a series of tweets
During this meeting, it was also decided that the rights of Adivasi communities will stand protected and that rehabilitation of slums within the area would be expedited.
This would be phase 1 for which the Forest Department will move a proposal,” He said.
He also stated the phase 2 survey will be followed soon after the beginning of Phase 1. Which would help the state protect the flora and fauna existent in SGNP and Aarey. Lastly, he thanked Minister Sunil Kedar for his valuable contribution along with Forest Minister Sanjay Rathod.
Citizens of Mumbai welcome MVA government’s move in declaring 600 acres out of almost 2965 acres of the entire Aarey land as a reserved forest. This definitely a step in the right direction, as Government has admitted that Aarey is indeed a forest. We hope in Phase 2, the rest of the land would also be declared as a forest. While it is a moment to celebrate, citizens continue to demand MMRCL to take its car shed out to any of the alternative sites including Kanjurmarg or Kalina. The youth of Mumbai has long fought for Aarey and they will continue to do so until the entire Aarey is saved.
Said Activist Nishant Bangera, Founder & President Muse Foundation.
