Churches across Mumbai expressed solidarity with residents of Dongri, Bhayandar, who are opposing the cutting of over 12,000 trees in a forested plot earmarked for a maintenance and stabling yard for Metro Line 9.
People gathered outside churches in Marol, Sahar, Kurla, Mahim, Thane, Kirol, Saki Naka, and other areas, in support of Dongri residents. The Catholic Church has asked its members to support residents of Dongri and other villages in Bhayandar East in the rally planned on Sunday morning against the proposed cutting of trees. The police issued prohibitory orders on Friday against public gatherings in the area till Monday.
However, people gathered in a silent rally at Dongri on Sunday morning. Lourdes D'Souza, a civic activist from the area said, “We had a good response. Protestors came from Dongri, the village that will be mainly affected by the project. However, residents of villages like Uttan, Pali, Chowk, Tarodi, Manori, and other villages also joined the protests," said D'Souza.
Godfrey Pimenta of Watchdog Foundation, which had appealed to members of churches to join the protest, said, “As passionate stewards of nature, we understand the profound bond we share with trees. These silent giants provide us with oxygen, shade, and beauty. They are symbols of life and they stand as sentinels to the history, culture, and vitality of our city. But today, our precious urban forests and green spaces are under threat specifically in Dongri, where 12,400 trees are supposed to be felled for Metro car shed.”
