Environmentalists to tie rakhi to trees at Aarey Milk Colony

Environmentalists, tree lovers and a group of students will gather on Sunday on the occasion of Rakshabandhan at Aarey Milk Colony, to show their love for the nature.

Calling the initiative as Vrikshabandhan, they will tie rakhis to the trees expressing the bond people share with nature. The practice will be followed by a run in the forest area of the green lung. Citizens group Youth For Aarey along with Aarey Tigers has organised the initiative.

"The devastating flood in Kerala has killed hundreds of people and affected lakhs of people and wildlife. It is safe to say it was a consequence of rampant destruction of nature. It is a wake up call for us and it's high time we Mumbaikars stand up together to protect our nature," said Aparna Bangia of Youth for Aarey who will spearhead the initiative.

Around 100 people are expected to attend the green event including Aarey inhabitants and children. Among them will also include group of around 25-30 students from local school, Pragna Bodhini High School.

"The students and children are really inspiring. They are really excited to show their love towards nature and do their bit to save the only surviving green lung of Mumbai," Bangia added.

Citizens have been in constant tussle especially in Mumbai with the various infrastructure projects and development over the fight to protect trees. The only green lung, Aarey, too is being threatened with the construction of a Metro car shed which will house rakes. As many as 33 hectares of land is to be compromised for the same. Around 1,800 trees in the forest are slated to pave way for the car shed.

The environmentalists feel by introducing Vrikshabandhan, more youth will get aware of protecting trees and respect environment.

Around 100 people are expected to attend the green event including Aarey inhabitants and children