Perhaps one of the key takeaways of the Aarey battle, which is now in the Supreme Court, is how ordinary people of the city have been motivated into fighting against the authorities felling trees in Goregaon's green belt.'

As for the politicians, they were there for the photo opportunity, and with Vidhan Sabha elections on October 21, the day when apex court will also decide on the Aarey issue, "politicians were expected to use Aarey to be in the limelight," said activists.