Yesterday’s protest saw a huge number of citizens (nearly 1000 plus) participating despite the threatening environment built by the police. They sang a powerful rendition of the Indian national anthem toward the end of their demonstration. There were the tribals of Aarey who joined the movement. Prakash Bhoir, an adivasi leader and resident of Keltipada in Aarey Colony said that Aarey’s tribal communities are planning an even bigger demonstration against the Metro-3 depot on August 9, which is observed globally as World Tribal Day. “Though we are joining other environmentalists in protests every weekend, we want to send a message purely from the perspective of indigenous people that such infrastructure development in our home will not be tolerated,” he said. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/1000-plus-campaigners-sing-national-anthem-to-save-aarey-101659294664199.html
The protests, mainly by the citizens did not see any political party’s participation except AAP. There was a conspicuous absence of Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP in the protest. Kirit Somaiya and Devendra Fadnavis said that no tree shall be cut in their statement but the pictures which were taken on the ground tell a different story. Activists who tried to enter the metro 3 project site said that the government is using bulldozers and earthmovers to clear green cover at the Metro-3 car shed site. In the video shared by the activists, a JCB can be seen clearing bushes and shrubs. They also claimed that a tree was uprooted. The huge loss of green cover within a few days is clearly visible.
Millions of us want to save the forest but cannot actively participate in the protests because of household responsibilities, professional responsibilities, parental responsibilities, and many indispensable chores that do not allow us to actively come out to protest. Many can spare time but either their health doesn’t permit it or they do not know the hows and wheres. Activism demands getting out of comfort and fighting relentlessly to bring about a change. Those Samaritans who want to join the Save Aarey movement but cannot participate due to the hectic urban demands can count on this online petition which is being addressed to Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde; Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis and JICA. People’s participation has been instrumental in bringing about a great change in society. 1000000 signatures on this petition are huge numbers to request the authorities to stop cutting the trees.
Click here for the whatsapp link
Click here for the facebook link
Alternatively, you can contribute to the fundraising for the Save Aarey movement.
https://www.ketto.org/fundraiser/come-save-aarey-forest
You can contribute your professional expertise to the Save Aarey movement. If you are a lawyer, a graphic designer, a social media professional, transportation consultant, architect, video editor, analyst, statistician, etc. you can be of great help to the movement. Your faith, support, and participation in whichever form shall come shall be instrumental in strengthening the movement.