Mumbai: People opposing the Tree Authority’s approval all-owing axing of over 2,700 trees at Aarey, received a boost as Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar opposed the decision.
The majority of the 19-member Tree Authority panel recently gave a nod to the removal of over 2,700 trees to pave way for the proposed Metro 3 car shed.
Taking to Twitter, Mr Thackeray posted a video strongly opposing the dec-ision, while Ms Mange-shkar said that chopping of trees in Aarey would be disastrous for nature.
In the video, MNS chief asked whether people want development by destroying the greenery or sustainable development. Citing an example of a park in Manhattan, he said a jungle or a park plays a major role in maintaining the health of a city or a state.
Referring to Sanjay Gandhi National Park, he said, “In New York, it was required to set up a park but here it has been gifted to us by nature itself. It is, however, being destroyed by us. We accuse leopards of intruding our homes but we have intruded their homes.”
Ms Mangeshkar tweeted, “To cut down 2,700 trees and invade the natural habitat for so many species would be a tragedy. I firmly oppose this move and I earnestly request the government to look into this matter and save the forest. #SaveAareyForest (sic).”
Earlier, too, several celebrities had opposed the removal of trees.
