Mumbai: The Forest Department on Monday got the possession of 812 acres of land near Sanjay Gandhi National Park from the Aarey Dairy Colony. This has paved the way for the expansion of the forest in the heart of the metropolis. The possession was taken in the presence of Borivali Tehsildar and Town Survey Officer Malad.
The decision was taken at a meeting in September last year in the presence of Dairy Development Minister Sunil Kedar and Environment Minister Aditya Thackeray.
Today’s move came months after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced 812 acres in Aarey Colony as the reserve forest.
Under Indian Forest Act, 1927, the land will become unavailable for development. Section 4 of IFA means the govt intends to declare the land as reserve forest by appointing a forest settlement officer. The officer will invite suggestions and objections from people, giving them 45 days, following which it shall issue a notification in the official gazette.
In a tweet late on Monday night, the CMO said that 812 acres of notified land of Aarey Milk Colony, Aarey land at Borivali, Goregaon, Marol Maroshi & Marol Maroshi village have been officially handed over to the State Forest Department & SGNP.
This decision paves a path for a massive forest to blossom in the heart of Mumbai.
