The forest department has been taking strict action against those involved in trespassing on forest lands and encroachments in Aarey Milk Colony. In three days, forest department officials have collected fines amounting to Rs 38,000 for various offences. However, sources from the forest department told mid-day that some locals are trying to exert political pressure on the forest department staff to evade action.

On Tuesday (November 28) Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Western Wildlife Region, Mumbai) Dr V Clement Ben, Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) Director and Conservator of Forest G Mallikarjun, Deputy Director of SGNP (south) Dr Revati Kulkarni Patil, Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Sudhir Sonawale and Range Forest Officer Narendra Muthe visited Aarey Milk Colony for night patrols. During their visit, action was taken against six vehicles illegally parked on forest land. A fine of R5,000 each was collected from the six vehicle owners while eight individuals were fined for trespassing and consuming liquor on forest land.