In what is an important order to protect the rich biodiversity of Aarey Milk Colony, which acts as a buffer zone for Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) stated in a recent order that the BMC shall not issue any further NOC for construction within the entire Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) in Aarey Colony and if any such illegal activity is noticed, immediate action shall be taken, including demolition thereof, without any delay. This paper reported the development yesterday, and it is an order that has green warriors, Save Aarey activists and all those who fight for open spaces, cheering hard and loud.

The NGT declared this while hearing a plea filed by NGO Vanashakti and others, seeking the declaration of Aarey Colony as a No Development Zone (NDZ). The order also states that the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) has not granted any permission for tree felling or construction activity within the area.