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© The Indian Express (P) Ltd
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Journalism of Courage
OVER 600 Mumbaikars participated in a peaceful protest held on Sunday against the controversial Metro 3 car shed site near the picnic point in Aarey forest. The event to Save Aarey saw participation from individuals, students, environmentalists, NGOs as well as political parties. Raising slogans like “Aarey hamari Shaan Hai, Mumbai ki jaan hai”, “Save Aarey”, the protesters agitated for nearly an hour amid tight police security.
“We began the protest with the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa. The idea was to remind the new Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis that even Lord Hanuman loved and protected forests. The new CM Eknath Shinde was part of the government, which had taken the decision to shift the metro car shed out of Aarey and there is suddenly this U-turn,” said Ruben Mascarenhas of Aam Aadmi Party, which is also part of the Save Aarey movement. Mascarenhas added that a website will be launched as a part of the efforts taken to mobilise public opinion as what is happening is unacceptable.
Protesters claimed that the metro car shed issue is being dragged following a political vendetta even though an alternative plan was ready by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aaghadi (MVA). The protest also saw participation from some members of tribal settlements inside the forest.
“It was encouraging to see the spontaneous reaction by citizens in large numbers on Sunday against the disastrous decision taken by Fadnavis,” said Stalin Dayanand, an environmentalist.
“Even citizens are watching what the new government has prioritised when there are several other issues starting in the city with the beginning of monsoon. The citizens’ anger was evident on the road today,” said Amrita Bhattacharjee, who is part of Aarey Conservation Group.
She also shared how the new government is spreading false information on how no court matters are pending in this case. “Whereas my petition along with one filed by an NGO is still waiting to be heard in the Supreme Court,” she said.
Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray also tweeted in support of the movement. “Since I have to attend the sitting of the State Legislative Assembly today, I will be missing out on the protest for Aarey Forest and the MMRCL land. I humbly urge the new government to reconsider its decision. Don’t cast the hate for us, onto our beloved Mumbai. Aarey isn’t only about 2700+ trees, it is about its biodiversity that we are seeking to protect in our Mumbai,” he tweeted.
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