Lata Mangeshkar says don't touch Aarey trees, rattles government

MUMBAI: Lata Mangeshkar has strongly opposed MMRCL's move to remove 2,646 trees at Aarey to make way for the Metro car shed. "Trees nurture life, trees are Mother Nature's precious gift to us," the legendary singer, who will turn 90 on September 28, told TOI on Wednesday. "I strongly oppose this terrible decision. Mumbai wants to breathe fresh air and needs every single tree in the city. Wanton cutting of the Aarey forest would mean disrupting Nature's balance."
The melody queen has earlier taken up issues of public importance-whether raising funds for Gujarat earthquake victims or supporting copyright matters. But along with sister Asha Bhosle, she also backed fellow Pedder Road residents to oppose a flyover planned by the state in 2000 to ease traffic in south Mumbai.
On Aarey, Mangeshkar said, "Those in power claim they are doing this to accelerate development. We are all for it, but not at the cost of the environment. Mumbaikars want more maidans and gardens, more lakes and trees, and not just a concrete jungle."
She said the city boasted of abundant open space in the 1950s and 60s. "Malad and Goregaon were rich with flora and fauna. Before that, the British allowed all suburbs to retain their green character. Today, Mumbai is gasping for breath and the authorities are playing havoc with Aarey." Would she like to meet the CM with a plea? "I am going to meet no one. I have said what I wanted to say," she said.
Earlier, she had tweeted on the matter, following which the state government went on the back foot. "Didi is our dear icon. We share her concern over Aarey. We will try to find a way out of the impasse. The government would see if it can go ahead with the Metro car shed without destroying trees at Aarey," said minister for cultural affairs Vinod Tawde.