Despite prolonged, robust protests, the Mumbai Metro Rail authority began cutting trees in the Aarey colony, on 5th October owing to SC rejecting the pleas to stop the same.
Via: NewsClick
Although a minor glitch states that once the order is passed, the permission to fell trees has to be uploaded on the site and then the felling can begin 15 days after that.
But the authorities, as soon as SC rejected the pleas, got right down to their business. In a way, illegal cutting of trees was taking place in Aarey Colony under the canopy of authorities.
Via: Deccan Herald
This led to massive protests, and many protestors were arrested and detained. So much so that, Section 144 was imposed around the Aarey colony.
Now, as a result, petitions were filed against illegal cutting of trees in the Aarey Colony. As per the latest news, the Supreme Court has ordered the Mumbai Metro Rail authorities to put a hold on cutting the trees till the hearing on October 21.
Cherry on the top, a special bench of the SC also ordered for the release of protestors as well.
We are relieved for that tiny ray of hope left!