Mumbai’s Chipko Movement

One of the Maharashtra government’s most ambitious infrastructure projects is its proposed Metro Line 3 in Mumbai. This project, currently estimated to cost Rs 23,136 crore and be 33.5 km long, will connect the business district in the south to the city’s bustling western suburbs. But this metro that will run completely underground needs a shed for its many trains. And the government has locked its eyes on Aarey Colony, a part of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in the heart of the city’s northwest. The colony is spread over 16 sq km and possesses rich biodiversity and wildlife, a dairy, and a few lakes and gardens.

Mumbai citizens are now coming together to oppose the government’s plan, arguing that it has no right to chop down the area’s trees to build a metro car shed. They have formed a front called the Save Aarey Group that’s trying to forge a consensus against the decision. So far, they have organised protests and dharnas that have seen thousands of local residents rally in solidarity. They have set up online pressure groups to raise awareness, gone to schools to enlist students to the cause, organised cycling and walking campaigns, and also got politicians from various parties to support them. So far, the Aam Aadmi Party and Shiv Sena have spoken up against the decision to use Aarey Colony, with the young scion from the latter party, Aditya Thackeray, meeting protestors and endorsing their stand.

The environmental activist Rishi Agarwal, a key member of the group, says, “The government claims it will need to cut 2,298 trees, and will replant all but 254. But the truth is this will never happen. We wonder… there might be elements within the government who want to use the pretext of the car shed for their own commercial pursuits.”

The group now plans to hold a large demonstration near the state assembly.

Chipko movementenvironmentgreen beltMumbai