Yeoor Forest in danger

Yeoor Forest in Danger -

Yeoor forest is an extension of Sanjay Gandhi National Park into Thane and is inhabited by tribals and many wild animals including leopards, deer, sambars, wild cats and more. While the indigenous tribals have long protected Yeoor Forest through generations, some of the wild animals are schedule 1 species protected by India’s Wildlife Act. Additionally, several migrant birds have made Yeoor their home.

However, over the last few years, Yeoor Forest is under consistent attack by land grabbers, politicians, businessmen as well as hotel and turf owners. This has caused displacement and harassment of Adivasis while tremendously impacting wildlife and its movement in the forest.

Bars and restaurants have been built illegally in the forest areas by cutting down trees. These restaurants and bars are operating without fire and other essential licenses. Unruly tourists and the hotels blast music and create a ruckus through the night. An increase in the number of hotels has directly resulted in an increase in traffic, noise pollution and rash driving inside the forest. Moreover, many of these establishments have been discreetly dumping their waste including biomedical waste into the forest.

Adivasis have witnessed petrified leopards forcibly walking on the road and struggling to maneuver as several plots in the forest have been covered from all sides by compound walls of almost 10 feet with barbed wires. Thus, the leopard sightings have also drastically reduced due to the nuisance. Experts say this may eventually give rise to man-animal conflicts in Yeoor which otherwise is an example of peaceful coexistence. Besides commercial set-ups, privately owned bungalows are being given out on rent for parties and marriages which also play music on loudspeakers at night. There is a barrage of illegal turfs that allow cricket and other sports matches to be organized until 2 to 3 am. Their floodlights have adversely affected the movement of birds including Bats. The adivasis have raised concerns over the blaring noise in the forest disturbing their mental peace and have time and again raised their voice. Despite complaints, it is observed that no strict action is being taken against the concerned offenders. Hon’ Bombay High Court in 2009 had restricted vehicular movement after sunset inside Yeoor Forest. The timing restriction of 11 pm to 7 am remains. However, the menace in the night displays an outright contempt of this court order as well. Yeoor is the last green cover left in Thane and we must protect it at any cost. It’s well-known that systematic destruction and deforestation is due to the deep-rooted nexus of those who are powerful. But we are hopeful, if we common citizens voice in unison, we can save Thane’s green pride – Yeoor Forest. As The concerned citizens of Thane, we request the honorable Municipal Commissioner and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest to pay urgent attention to this issue and implement the following

1. Time restriction of 11 pm to 7 am be strictly implemented

2. All illegal structures including hotels, bungalows and turfs be demolished

3. Carry out cleanliness drives to free the forest of plastic and other waste

4. Bring down all illegal compound walls to support movement of wild animals  

5. Implement noise pollution rules in letter and spirit.

Nishant Banger from Muse Foundation, Yogesh Mudhara (Social Activist, specialist in Encroachments), Sneha Singh and many others like them are raising voice against the illegal land grabbing.

You can raise your voice by signing in the below petition link - 

Petition Link

Issued in Public Interest by Thane Central