Ordinary people are coming out in support of saving a forest in the middle of Mumbai, says Puja Choudhary
Development or environmentIJ That’s a choice thrown up many a time, especially in a developing country like India. At stake is the green lung of the city of Mumbai and it is the residents that have turned warriors to save it. A part of the Aarey Forest, 33 ha to be precise, has been designated as a car-shed for the Metro 3 line. And it was to create awareness about the importance of this green patch that an Aarey forest walk was organised recently.
Sanjiv Valsan, professional photographer, traveller writer researcher and photography educator, who conducts experiential education workshops on travel and street photography all over India, vehemently defended the protection of the forest. He said, “The Aarey forest is in the middle of the city and through this walk, people get connected to it. People are joining this movement as they are able to see a big and beautiful forest. The Adivasis are protecting the forest but we have encroached upon their land. Their livelihood is being spoilt because of the illegal development and construction. The animal population is also plunging. Mumbaikars are able to breathe because of the Aarey forest. We should protect the forest.”
Most of the participants believed that the Aarey forest is being eyed by the builders and it is affecting the lives of the tribals who have been residing there for generations. This forest walk event was organised with the aim of educating people. While registration was free for Adivasis, the general public could register on the payment of Rs 200. Students below the age of 16 were asked to bring their ID /age proof.
The facilitators of the walk were Tushant Shetty and Sanjiv Valsan. Shetty grew up around the area and he has been trail-walking and spotting diversity from his childhood. He knows every detail of the forest. Valson, on the other hand, got interested as he loves and respects nature.
Aarey forest is home to a lot of diversity in flora and fauna. It has 5,000 trees, 76 species of birds, 86 species of butterflies, 13 species of amphibians, 38 different types of reptiles, 19 spider species and 34 types of wild flowers. There are different types of mammals, including leopard, spotted deer, rusty spotted cat, civets, monkeys, sambar deer and barking deer. But all this is being threatened by constructions and encroachment. By default, the lives of Adivasis dependent on the Aarey Forest are under threat as well.
“I like this place. I have been residing here for 40 years, but due to the construction, I keep on moving from here and there in the forest. But I will never move out of this place. I earn my living by selling vegetables over here. I am in love with the greenery over here,” says Sita Ram Chandra Bhagat, an Adivasi.
A celebration of the place called Aarey Forest Festival is for every person who loves to explore nature. They can also use their photography skills on their trails. The main theme of this event is to “Conserve Aarey Forest.” Forest walks create awareness about the flora and fauna as well as the biological importance of nature.
“We come to know the priority of the conservation of forest. It makes one fit. We have been staying over here from the past two generations and I really like this place which is situated in the heart of a city like Mumbai. Though I have been moving from one place to another, this place for me is like a paradise,” says Shinu Kurbi, an Adivasi woman.
The colours of the forest look different during different time zones of the day. The mood of the forest varies from place to place. In a forest walk, one comes across a lot of new things which makes you feel adventurous. One also gets exposed to the natural beauty hidden within the forest.
“I am a nature lover and have travelled solo across the country and neighbouring countries. India is a beautiful country and I believe everybody should respect nature. Through this forest walk, organised by a team of environment enthusiasts, people have realised the importance of nature,” says Darshana Gupta, public relations consultant. Maybe it is time for Delhi walkers to save the threatened greens from encroachment.