Mumbai: Save Aarey activists detained for asking why trees were cleared with JCB at car shed, later released

MUMBAI: Around 13 activists of the Save Aarey movement were detained by the police on Thursday while they were questioning the police and other officials present on the use of a JCB inside the Metro-3 car shed plot.
The activists alleged that the JCB is removing trees at the car shed, and added that the Supreme Court order of 2019 has directed that status quo should be maintained on Aarey trees.The activists were released within a few hours and no charges were pressed.
"Twelve activists were seen suspiciously moving near Aarey metro car shed on Thursday. They were taken to Aarey police station and released after giving due warning," said DCP Somnath Gharge.
Aarey Conservation Group activist Amrita Bhattacharjee, commented, "Some of the activists have recently clicked a few photos and videos of the presence of a JCB inside the car shed plot, and therefore expressed suspicion that more trees may be felled at the site. The Save Aarey activists had gone there today, but were rounded up by the police, though no charges were put against them.''
Environmentalist D Stalin of Vanashakti group, said, "The Supreme Court bench hearing on the Aarey matter is likely to happen tomorrow (Friday). So, we will also mention the incident of a JCB seen inside the car shed plot. In 2019, the court had asked the state government to maintain status quo on the trees here.''
The Shiv Sena leader of Vahatuk (transport) Sena group, Intekhab Farooqui, said, "I reside close to Aarey Colony. The Aarey forest absorbs the pollution and provides us oxygen. By further removing the green cover at Aarey, we are also disturbing the wildlife here. We request the state government to not cut more trees at Aarey.''
Meanwhile, Bhattacharjee added, "I am trying to submit a written complaint to Aarey police station with regards to the illegal cutting of trees. Earlier, a written complaint of the nature loving citizens was not accepted by the cops. We have to try and complain in writing.''
The activists added that they can produce the photographic and electronic evidence of their allegations with regards to tree cuttings at Aarey.
TOI called up a spokesperson of MMRCL with regards to the allegation of a JCB clearing trees at the car shed plot; however, she said that she will contact later.
Earlier this week on Monday, the MMRCL had stated that they are undertaking tree pruning along Aarey road, after taking all the necessary permissions from the authorities, in order to remove the low-lying tree branches so that the Metro rail coaches can be later transported from here.