Tribal groups file historic claims to protect Aarey's forests and livelihoods

Tribal communities from Aarey, Yeoor, Wagle Estate, Dahisar, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park have taken a significant step to assert their rights. The Aarey Adivasi Hakka Samvardhan Samiti organised a Maha Gram Sabha to formally submit claims for Community Forest Rights. Key government officials and tribal leaders from Palghar and Thane attended the gathering. The assembly focused on securing recognition for the traditional rights of indigenous communities. These groups argued that the BMC’s Zonal Master Plan had ignored their long-standing ties to the forests in Aarey, Thane, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

During the meeting, the collective tribal organisations also opposed infrastructure projects proposed in the Zonal Master Plan. They raised environmental concerns, stating that such developments would threaten their livelihoods and the region’s ecology. The submission of Community Forest Rights claims marks a formal effort to protect tribal interests. The opposition to the BMC’s plan signals a growing resistance to projects that disregard indigenous rights and environmental safeguards. The outcome of these claims remains to be seen.