Mumbai: Forest department to fortify Aarey colony with four outposts at vantage points

In September 2020, the MVA government reserved over 800 acres of Aarey as forest

To conserve wildlife and thwart attempts by encroachers in Aarey Milk Colony, where 812 acres have been declared as forest, the Forest Department plans to fortify the green zone with four outposts at vantage points. Officials said teams will be deployed at these outposts 24/7. Patrolling apart, they will also be the first responders to forest fires, many of which are started by the land mafia.

Clement Ben, additional principal chief conservator of forest-wildlife (west), said they have finalised the construction of four forest chowkies and four protection huts. "Forest department staff and vanmajoors [forest watchers] will be present at the protection huts 24/7 and they would not just help do foot patrolling in the forest but will also deal with the forest fires during summer. The protection huts will also help prevent encroachments on forest area and protect wild animals. I have instructed the divisional forest officer to prepare an estimate and give the work orders so that by this year-end, we have the structures in place."

The protection huts will come up at strategic locations from where it will be easier for the staff to monitor the expansive green cover. While the first protection hut will come up on the hillock near the VIP Guest House, the second will be set up in the forested patch close to the New Zealand hostel. The locations for the other two are yet to be finalised, said sources.

Also Read: Mumbai: Aarey dad shoos away leopard that snatched his 4-year-old boy

Protection huts are common in tiger reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Locals often complain about outsiders partying deep inside the forest after sunset

After the MVA-led Maharashtra government reserved 812 acres of Aarey land as forest in September 2020, the forest department stepped up its efforts to protect the area. Clement Ben, SGNP Field Director G Mallikarjun and senior officials have visited the green patch on multiple occasions and have taken part in patrolling.

Local residents have repeatedly highlighted outsiders trespassing into the forest for partying after sunset. Sources said the forest department has also been conducting drives to check this nuisance. Encroachment also poses a huge threat to the forest.

Wildlife conservationist Kedar Gore, who is the director of The Corbett Foundation, welcomed the move to build protection huts. "It will help in increased surveillance and protection of wildlife and forest, thereby preventing any kinds of illegalities in the forest area."

812
Area in acres of the protected Aarey forest