The Aarey Colony is dubbed as the lungs of the city, and for good reason too. The colony is one of the very few places in Mumbai that are green and that help the city breathe. Now, officials are planning on opening an eco-tourism spot for families here in the colony. The plan is to prioritise the preservation of the greenery and to develop the spot without disrupting or damaging its flora.
Aarey Colony To Soon Have An Eco-Tourism Spot For Families
Aarey to be developed as tourist Spot…
Search on for Consultants…
BTW there may be a surfeit of Consultants in the market who will be prepared to Offer Services for Free…#Aarey https://t.co/0GszPfWXlm
— मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) October 21, 2023
According to an article recently published by The Times Of India, the Dairy Development Department is currently attempting to develop a comprehensive master plan which will enable the development of an eco-tourism spot for families and children in the Aarey Colony. The article also stated that the famous picnic spot, Chhota Kashmir, may also be revamped as part of this.
The tender which invited bids for the plan stated that the project must not warrant reduction of, harm to, or any other such impact on the forest cover. The department has around 2,718 acres or 1,100 hectares of the Aarey Colony. As such, it wanted to put the godowns to a better use. It also wanted a solution to the sprawling slums on its land which are illegal.
As per the secretary of Dairy Development, Tukaram Mundhe, cited in the TOI article, the department is looking to develop Aarey without harming the environment or disturbing the eco-sensitive zones. What is more, it recently ordered the stoppage of the concretisation required for developing the Picnic Point Garden as it damage the environment.
Also Read: Supreme Court Fines MMRCL ₹10 L After Breaching The No. Of Trees Permitted To Be Cut In Aarey
Spot To Be Developed Without Disturbing Eco-Sensitive Zones
Mundhe also stated that consultants were appointed to assess the financial as well as technological feasibility of the plan. The consultants will ensure that the green cover is not compromised in any way whatsoever. The development of such a spot will boost economic activity and create several jobs.
In order to ensure accuracy in surveying the land for ideal spots, drone technology will be used. The drones will provide precision and will help the department achieve its goals better. To ensure preservation, no development in the areas deemed as eco-sensitive zones will be done.
Existing gardens will also be upgraded and better facilities like electricity, sewage, waste management, water supply and digital connectivity will be provided. A comprehensive report will be developed and submitted to the department within the next six months. The project will also involve engaging with the locals so that their input is also received.
Also Read: Aarey, Moon Who? Washed Off New Road In Mumbai’s Aarey Colony Has Big Craters To Admire
Do you think this is a great move to preserve the natural environment of Mumbai’s lungs? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
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