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The state government has expanded the 'green zone' in Aarey Milk Colony by adding 132 hectares, bringing virtually the entire 445-hectare area under the highest level of environmental protection. The notification, issued by the urban development department, marks the end of efforts initiated three years ago by the earlier MVA government to declare 705 acres of Aarey land as a reserved forest.
The newly added 132 hectares were previously excluded from the eco-sensitive zone around Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) a few years ago. This decision solidifies Aarey as one of the city's last remaining green patches, bringing relief to activists who have long championed its preservation.
The history of this green initiative traces back to 2016 when the union ministry accepted the state's request to exclude 165 hectares from the eco-sensitive zone around SGNP. Among this land, 33 hectares were allocated for the controversial Metro 3 car shed and a three-acre casting yard. Notably, five acres of the car shed area will be maintained as a green zone despite the overall exclusion.
The latest notification aligns with the BMC proposal to reserve the entire Aarey Milk Colony as a green zone. This move, except for a small area near Prajapur pada where a pump was sanctioned in 2020, ensures the highest level of protection for Aarey's ecological balance.
Activist Zoru Bhathena expressed optimism, stating that the green zone designation provides Aarey with the utmost protection, unique to any part of Mumbai. Meanwhile, activist Amrita Bhattacharjee highlighted the importance of marking the 27 tribal hamlets in the Development Plan to safeguard their existence in Aarey Colony.
This declaration reflects a positive development for Aarey, securing its status as a crucial green space amid urbanisation pressures across Mumbai. The 'green zone' tag not only safeguards the environment but also alleviates concerns about potential commercial exploitation, emphasising the commitment to preserving Mumbai's dwindling green spaces.
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