By Mehak Koul
Between anxiety induced deadlines and cancelled social gatherings, it can be an anchor to remain both grounded and sane, through the storm. Aside from listening to music, trying out new hobbies and reading new books you might be wondering if there are any other remedies to break this algorithm and greatly reduce the cabin fever you are experiencing. Going outside and exercising regularly allows us to reconnect with ourselves and mentally heal. While maintaining social distancing practices, going out for fresh air can greatly improve your mood and overall health. Who doesn’t like fresh air or the noise of horns and sirens being replaced with birds chirping? But in the midst of a bustling city, does a place like this exist? A place which is safe, serene and less crowded?
The simple answer -Yes.
Located in Goregaon, this urban forest is a beautiful suburb of the city of Mumbai, often referred to as the ‘city’s lungs’. Aarey forest is filled with an array of wildlife and nature. A place where nature and man unite. The urban forest is known to have potential to show a human and leopard co-existing in an urban setting. A home to more than 22 species of birds and 86 species of trees, the forest is known to contribute about 90 species of butterflies alone.
Spread over more than 2000 acres, Aarey forest is one of the few green spaces left in Mumbai. There are around 27 tribal hamlets and other smaller hamlets present in Aarey currently. The tribals in the area farm and cultivate vegetables and fruits which then are sold in the market to sustain themselves but due to the rapid degradation of the forests the self sustainable lifestyle of these tribals has been disturbed.
In 2019 there was disagreement between the Aarey community and the Maharashtra government. The dispute started when the government decided to cut down the trees in Aarey, a vast cover of green with around five lakh trees and home to a wide variety of animals and birds in order to build a car shed for the Metrorail project. Those who wanted to protect Aarey Forest and were protesting said that the loss to the forest of thousands of trees will lead to poorer air quality and will disrupt wildlife habitat, including that of a small population of endangered leopards. After many locals protested against the cutting of trees for the car shed project, on 3rd September 2020, one fifth of the Aarey Colony around 800 acres, was declared as a reserved forest. Later Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray, who campaigned to save the trees, said that the protesters had fought for the future of the planet and that the rights of Adivasi communities that call Aarey home would be protected.
Naata Foundation has been working for over 10 years now towards supporting and empowering the lives of underprivileged tribal families that reside in the region and provide them with quality resources and opportunities.
You can also come volunteer your time with us as we continue to make a difference at Naata Foundation - email us on naatasop@gmail.com or DM us on our social media accounts to know more.
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