Mumbai: Tribals miffed as people throng Aarey Colony despite lockdown

Walkers and motorists in Aarey Milk Colony on Thursday evening. Pics/Anurag Ahire

Although there are lockdown-like curbs in Maharashtra amid the second wave of Covid-19, Aarey Milk Colony continues to be frequented by a large number of morning and evening walkers. People have been noticed roaming in the area in groups, in complete violation of the existing restrictions. Amid this, residents - such as owners of cattle sheds and tribals - are not happy about the outsiders' visits.

During a visit to Aarey colony on Thursday evening, mid-day noticed several people in the area, a majority of them preferred to walk on the internal roads near New Zealand hostel and Lotus lake.

A resident of Vanichapada tribal hamlet said, "At present, the situation has come under control somewhat and the cases have decreased, but does that mean that we should stop following the government's rules? Morning and evening walkers are visiting Aarey as if things are normal and there are no restrictions. Police should take action against those not following the rules and roaming around in groups."

Locals have urged authorities to take action against walkers in Aarey violating Covid-19 protocol

The local police station has been patrolling the area and asking people to disperse from time to time.

Imran Udat, a resident of Aarey colony who runs a cattle shed, said, "Due to lack of awareness about the safety of taking the vaccine, many tribals and senior citizens from the padas have not taken the shots. Walkers coming in the morning and evening for walks may pose a threat to the tribals. I think concerned officials should start taking action against walkers who don't observe appropriate Covid-19 behaviour."

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Tribal leader Prakash Bhoir from the area said, "We love the fact that people come to Aarey to enjoy nature but this is not the time to come for morning and evening walks. People in our tribal hamlet have been avoiding going out, fearing that they will get Covid-19. We request the local authorities and the government to patrol Aarey Milk Colony in the morning and evening, and we request walkers to not visit the area till the restrictions are lifted."

A duo out for a walk in Aarey colony on Thursday evening

Aarey colony has 26 tribal hamlets where 4,000 tribals families reside.

Despite several attempts to reach him, Aarey Milk Colony CEO Nathu Rathod was unavailable for comment.

Senior Police Inspector of Aarey police station, Nutan Pawar said, "We have been continuously taking action against the morning and evening walkers coming to Aarey during the restrictions. Our drive against them will continue. Our staff also patrols the internal rods and takes actions against violators."

26
No. of tribal padas inside Aarey Milk Colony

4,000
No. of residents in the padas