Yeoor timber forest in Thane, is home of Adivasi communities and a different wildlife. But sorely, illegal construction backed by politicians, deforestation, encroachment by hospices and turfs are sluggishly destroying the last green cover left in Thane. Adivasis are being displaced, and the wildlife is under constant attack. We must speak up before it’s too late. Save Yeoor Forest from illegal bungalows, hospices, turfs and land snatching Yeoor timber is an extension of Sanjay Gandhi National Park into Thane and is inhabited by tribals and numerous wild creatures including leopards, deer, sambars, wild pussycats and further. While the indigenous tribals have long defended Yeoor Forest through generations, some of the wild creatures are schedule species defended by India’s Wildlife Act. Also, several migratory catcalls have made Yeoor their home. Yeoor Forest is under harmonious attack by land snatching, politicians, businessmen as well as hostel and turf possessors. This has caused relegation and importunity of Adivasis while extensively impacting wildlife and its movement in the timber. Bars, Dhaba and caffs have been erected immorally in the timber areas by cutting down trees. These caffs and bars are operating without document and other essential licenses. Unruly excursionists and the hospices blast music and produce a melee through the night. An increase in the number of hospices has directly redounded in an increase in business, noise pollution and rash driving inside the timber. also, numerous of these establishments have been discreetly jilting their waste including biomedical waste into the timber. Adivasis have witnessed petrified leopards forcefully walking on the road and floundering to initiative as several plots in the timber have been covered from all sides by emulsion walls of nearly 10 bases with acerbic cables. Therefore, the leopard sightings have also drastically reduced due to the nuisance. Experts say this may ultimately give rise to man- beast conflicts in Yeoor which else is an illustration of peaceful concurrence. Besides marketable set- ups, intimately possessed bungalows are being given out on rent for parties and marriages which also play music on loudspeakers at night. There's a shower of illegal turfs that allow justice and other sports matches to be organized until 2 to 3 am. Their floodlights have negatively affected the movement of catcalls including batons. The Adivasis have raised enterprises over the publicizing noise in the timber disturbing their internal peace and have time and again raised their voice. Despite complaints, it's observed that no strict action is being taken against the concerned male-factors. Hon ’ Bombay High Court in 2009 had confined vehicular movement after evening inside Yeoor Forest. The timing restriction of 11 pm to 7 am remains. still, the imminence in the night displays an outright disdain of this court order as well. Yeoor is the last green cover left in Thane and we must cover it at any cost. It’s well- known that methodical destruction and deforestation is due to the deep- confirmed nexus of those who are important. But I'm hopeful, if we common citizens voice in accord, we can save Thane’s green pride – Yeoor Forest. As a concerned citizen of Mumbai - Thane, I request the honorable Municipal Commissioner and Chief Conservator of Forest to pay critical attention to this issue and apply the following Time restriction of 11 pm to 7 am be rigorously enforced All illegal structures including hospices, resorts, bungalows and turfs be demolished Carry out cleanliness drives to free the timber of plastic and other waste Bring down all illegal emulsion walls to support movement of wild creatures Implement noise pollution rules in letter and spirit.
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