To conserve wildlife and thwart attempts by encroachers in Aarey Milk Colony, where 812 acres have been declared as forest, the Forest Department plans to fortify the green zone with four outposts at vantage points. Officials said teams will be deployed at these outposts 24/7. Patrolling apart, they will also be the first responders to forest fires, many of which are started by the land mafia. 

Clement Ben, additional principal chief conservator of forest-wildlife (west), said they have finalised the construction of four forest chowkies and four protection huts. “Forest department staff and vanmajoors [forest watchers] will be present at the protection huts 24/7 and they would not just help do foot patrolling in the forest but will also deal with the forest fires during summer. The protection huts will also help prevent encroachments on forest area and protect wild animals. I have instructed the divisional forest officer to prepare an estimate and give the work orders so that by this year-end, we have the structures in place.”