Mumbaiites plan runs to save city’s green lung

Running groups in the city, who practice for various marathons, have organised runs this weekend to save Aarey. Citizens and activists have been protesting against

Running groups in the city, who practice for various marathons, have organised runs this weekend to save Aarey. Citizens and activists have been protesting against the state government’s plan to build a Metro car shed in Aarey, for which around 3,500 trees will have to be cut.

Citizens pose after participating in the run organised by Pinkathon at Girgaum on Saturday.

“For runners, Aarey is not only the city’s lung, but our lungs as well. How can we let these trees be cut ? ” said Surjit Kaur, ambassador, Pinkathon, India’s biggest women’s running initiative.

Around 1,000 women from 42 Pinkathon centres across the city participated in the run held at their respective centres on Saturday. Similarly, two other running communities, Mumbai Road Runners and Aarey Tigers, have events scheduled on Sunday. While Mumbai Road Runners have organised a 21-km run from Bandra to NCPA, Aarey Tigers will walk, cycle and run to spread awareness about the green cause. “We have already seen the air quality degrading. However, the authorities do not care about the environment, which is why it’s necessary for us to stand by those who have been fighting to save Aarey. We have already lost a green view in Aarey because of the barricading,” said Muffadal Hararwala, representative, Aarey Tigers.

Activists from the group Save Aarey, who have been fighting with the government against the cutting of the trees, appreciated the efforts by the communities.

“Many educated people are now finally voicing their support for Aarey, and we want more people to take to the streets now, because our case that was being heard in Pune has been moved to Delhi,” said Nayana Pai from Save Aarey.

Activists have been demanding that the shed be shifted to a site identified in Kanjurmarg instead of hacking a large number of trees in Aarey.