Citizens vow to protect green spaces in city this Raksha Bandhan

Mumbai: On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, citizens groups have come forward to create awareness about the importance of green spaces in the city. In a unique move, Mumbaikars will be tying a rakhi – a traditional thread, to trees in Aarey Colony as a symbolic gesture to protect the natural resources. Navi Mumbai too saw a similar movement at Talawe wetlands in Nerul on Saturday. Both the areas are slated to be affected by infrastructure and commercial projects.

Citizens from different corners of Mumbai will be gathering at site near Aarey guesthouse to celebrate the festival. “At a time where the infrastructure projects are taking a toll of the natural spaces, especially Aarey Colony where projects like metro and zoo are coming, it is important to come forward and protect them. We are trying to save the trees this Raksha bandhan,” said Amrita Bhattacharya, member of Aarey Conser-vation Group (ACG). The group is already fighting a legal battle against the denotification of 33 hect-ares of Aarey Colony, also known as the last green lungs of Mumbai, from ‘No Development Zone’ to ‘Metro-3 car shed zone’.

Along with ACG, other citizens group like Youth for Aarey and Aarey Tigers as well as students from Pragna Bodhini High School will be joining the campaign. The group stated th-at they intended to tie thre-ads in the proposed car shed area, but the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation has cordoned it off. “Kerala flood has killed hundreds of people, leaving thousands affected. It is high time that Mumbaikars stand up to protect our natural spaces,” added Ms Bhattacharya.