Aarey Colony development: Cyclists join protest

Over 300 cyclists today protested against plans to carry out development in the Aarey Colony area in the northwestern part of the city which is known for its dense tree-cover.
"We are not against the development in the city. There are various alternatives available for building the metro car shed, and what we fear the most is the new Development Plan 2034 (of Mumbai municipal corporation) which will result in reduction of forest cover," said Manish Sethi, organiser of the protest.
He alleged that the development would shrink the tree-cover to 14 per cent from the present if the proposals to build a metro car-shed, Goregaon-Mulund link road, a business hub and an extension of the Byculla Zoo were implemented.

Sethi said the protesters are now planning to rope in the residents of south Mumbai and will be forming a human chain on March 20 at Marine Drive.
The cyclists started from the Western Express Highway and converged near the proposed metro car-shed site.
An art work, depicting 'last rites' for trees, was displayed at the spot.

The informal group has been campaigning for over a month against the proposed development in the area.
Several political outfits too have supported the cause by opposing the metro car-shed, which is the immediate development proposal.
Last week, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had set up an expert committee to carry out a study for the car-shed, though land filling work has already been carried out at the site.

Spread over 16 sq km, Aarey Colony has rich biodiversity with 126 species of birds, 16 species of mammals and 80 species of butterflies. It borders on the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Anand Pendharkar, a local resident and a naturalist, said some of these species are protected ones, such as the Indian rock python, Russell's viper, monitor lizards, hyenas, jungle cats and leopards.