Citizens protest against debris dumping in Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Residents of Kalyaninagar, Yerawada, environment activists along with few environmentalists had staged a protest on October 30 citing no action taken by the civic body to check on the illegal dumping of debris at the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. The protest saw several political parties making their presence at the sanctuary and assuring them of stringent action.

Sachin Ahir, deputy leader, Shivsena Maharashtra who works closely with for Aditya Thakre came in along with Sunil Tingre, MLA, Vadagaon Sheri constituency with additional commissioner Dr Kunal Khemnar visited the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and looked after almost every issue that the protesters have been trying to show case.

“We are very hopeful that this meeting is going to be fruitful in terms of saving the bird sanctuary. The environmentnministry now is taking cognizance and just like Aarey, we are hopeful that Dr. Salim Ali Bird sanctuary will be saved”, said Meghana Baphna, core member of the action committee.

“There are a lot of illegal activities going on like the natural stream that passes through the sanctuary has been covered and a lot of construction debris has been dumped. Ahir suggested strict action (FIR) against those activities should be taken by the commissioner. The commissioner has also taken it up seriously and has promised that proper action will be taken against the perpetrators of illegal dumping in the Sanctuary”, said Dharmraj Patil, an Ornithologist.

“More importantly, immediately further damage to the sanctuary will need to be stopped with immediate effect. Taking care of the nullah, removing the debris, stopping further damage, gate to the sanctuary will stop the dumping trucks from coming in”, said Sameer Nikam, one of the volunteers from the action committee.

“We will be discussing further in Mumbai with the officials involved and mapping a concrete plan to save this beautiful oasis in the heart of the city for generations ahead and we want to save it just like any forest so that the trees are untouched, birds continue to come here”

said Sachin Ahir, Deputy leader, Shivsena.

The protesters are now looking forward for a better plan so that dumping at this spot stops forever.