It is up to us to ensure our forests are encroachment-free

Illegal structures being demolished at Aarey Milk Colony

The Aarey Chief Executive Officer's (CEO) office has taken a significant step by cracking down on over 150 illegal structures in Aarey Milk Colony, marking one of the largest operations against unauthorised constructions. A report said the drive will be further intensified after the monsoon season.

In May, the Aarey CEO's office took action against approximately 125 unauthorised huts located in Govt premises adjacent to Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road within Aarey Milk Colony. Additionally, about 40 unauthorised huts in other areas of Aarey were demolished.

Environmentalists and vigilantes are happy about the action. Encroachment was adversely affecting the wildlife and entire ecosystem. Tribals in the Aarey forest have been co-existing for years with animals.
We have seen several leopard attacks as encroachers intrude into the territory.

While initial action is welcome, we must see that this is a sustained campaign and all encroachment is stopped. Just like unfortunately, green warriors have to be on their toes constantly, looking at safeguarding our spaces, so must authorities.

Citizens can point out or alert violations that may escape those in charge. It is up to the authorities that have the means to take action. It is also vital that different agencies come together like the civic authorities, forest dept. etc to uproot the encroachment. Otherwise, we will be saddled with the familiar and tiresome rigmarole of passing the buck, where each one says that they are not responsible for this, or that another agency is in charge of that. Meanwhile, encroachments grow, while citizens are spinning in the bureaucratic machinery.

This action will also serve as a message to would-be usurpers of the land, that they will be uprooted. They will not go unnoticed in this vast, green forest even if they think they might.