'Save Aarey' Campaign Hits 150 Weeks Amid Rising Land Grabbing Concerns

Even as the 'Save Aarey' campaign reached its 150th week on Sunday, environment activists have complained that private companies have moved into the area and are violating laws in the designated eco-sensitive zone. 

There have been several complaints to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the state environment department and Aarey Milk Colony CEO regarding encroachments by private companies, film studios etc, but inaction continues. "Entire Aarey colony falls within the notified ESZ of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). Land grabbing is increasing inside the Aarey milk colony jurisdiction, trees are being felled and illegal constructions are expanding," said Stalin D, director of NGO Vanashakti. 

Since the past three years or more we have been complaining about the construction of huge sheds and film studios inside the ESZ. The Aarey administration has turned a blind eye and our previous complaints have been routinely forwarded by the municipal commissioner to his deputies who never bother to take any action," said Dayanand who added that he was planning to move the courts against  land grabbing in Aarey and inaction by authorities. 

Meanwhile, a senior BJP leader demanded the demolition of encroachments by film studios and private companies who have encroached the land (formerly used as cow shelters) and built huge structures to use as godowns. Notices have been issued to several studios last week. 

The leader alleged that Aarey colony has been converted into a commercial hub and warehousing hub. "Companies are commercially exploiting green reserved land in Aarey colony. The grass sheds of cow stables are now converted into huge godowns. I question the silence of Aarey officials, BMC and environment officials," he said.

Speaking with the FPJ, Shrikant Shipurkar, CEO of Aarey said, "The companies were given land inside Aarey to use after proper tendering procedures. However, after complaints we have given show cause notices to the companies who are using godowns and also against debris dumping. If they fail to give a satisfactory reply, further action will be taken."

Shipurkar also said that they have communicated to BMC about the debris dumping and other companies regarding encroachments. Despite repeated attempts, Assistant Commissioner of P-South ward, Atul Patne under whose jurisdiction Aarey colony falls did not respond to calls and text by the FPJ.

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