The monsoon has brought in an air of happy news for Aarey Colony. The Aarey CEO’s 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.
The proliferation of slums on the fringes of the Aarey-SGNP stretch has created a ruckus for wildlife and the forest. The filth and garbage created by slums are posing health challenges as well as inviting an invasion of parasitic species into the native biodiversity. The slum dwellers see the leopards as a hazard, unlike the tribals who have coexisted with leopards for generations. Tribals treat leopards as 'God' and have dedicated a temple (Waghoba) to them. There are accusations that some of the slum dwellers 'tease' leopards. The chicken & mutton shops attract wild cats and exacerbate man-animal conflicts.
One must follow the norms and customs of the country, institution, and society which one inhabits which becomes true for the forest too. The forest demands certain behavioural adaptations & code of conduct for anyone who wants to inhabit it. Coexisting peacefully with the inhabitants of the forest is an art that tribals have mastered for generations. On the other hand, the slums have broken every rule of the forest. Encroachment, felling of trees, setting up of illegal shops, and the spreading of filth are just a few of them.
In 2015, 250 illegal shanties were cleared in the demolition drive undertaken by Aarey CEO, Gajanan Raut. In its place, 1500 trees were to be planted. To prevent further encroachment and felling of trees, security personnel were deployed across 20 spots, including Goregaon Naka, Filter Pada, and at the main gates of the colony. https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai/250-illegal-shanties-demolished-at-aarey-colony/story-KY5VTmoxPkTDYacs5KUTUO.html
However, during the lockdown, several acres of trees were cut to make way for more unauthorised structures. There has been unchecked burgeoning of slums on the fringes of the Aarey-SGNP stretch which has contributed towards reducing natural cover and increasing man-animal conflict.
In May 2023, the Aarey CEO’s office took action against approximately 125 unauthorised huts located in government premises adjacent to Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road within Aarey Forest. Additionally, about 40 unauthorised huts in other areas of Aarey were demolished. The month of June saw further action as approximately 70 shops and hawkers engaged in unauthorised business at Mayur Nagar in Aarey Milk Colony faced consequences.
The efforts against illegal constructions by Aarey CEO have been welcomed by both residents and activists.