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With Justice Abhay Oka, presenting my book NEWSFIRE and inviting him for talks at The Mumbai Press Club and to Navi Mumbai. At Prithvi Sustain – Environmentalist Meet held at V.G. Vaze–Kelkar College, Mulund in northeast Mumbai, on the Gandhi Jayanti day organised by Prayas Sevabhavi Sanstha, to encourage collaboration and collective action towards a greener and healthier future to bring all the activist under one roof. Justice Oka told us not to be deterred by labels such as “Dimagi Naxal,” “anti-national” or “Urban Naxal,” and continue our fight against environmental violations under the garb of development.Emphasising the need to build a strong environmental movement, Justice Oka called for greater coordination among activists, the sharing of ideas and collective action instead of isolated campaigns. He also stressed the urgent need to nurture a new generation of young environmentalists who can stand up against violations and champion environmental protection. Adv Sagar Devre of Prayas highlighted the challenges faced by environmental activists and the tendency to brand those who raise environmental concerns with labels such as “anti-national” and “Urban Naxal.” Justice Oka urged activists not to be discouraged by such references and to remain committed to their cause. Distinguishing genuine development from infrastructure expansion, Justice Oka said that metros, highways and redevelopment projects cannot be the sole indicators of progress, particularly when environmental concerns are overlooked. True development must include affordable housing, accessible healthcare, quality education, green cover and open spaces. Referring to the constitutional principle of social justice, he questioned the state of affordable education when government schools themselves are closing down. Justice Oka called upon environmentalists to begin environmental awareness initiatives at the school and college levels, particularly concerning mangroves, wetlands and tree conservation. He also suggested drawing inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and social reformers such as Sant Tukaram and Sant Gadge Maharaj, using their teachings to spread awareness about the protection of nature. Addressing issues of noise pollution and excessive celebrations, Justice Oka observed that existing laws prescribe permissible decibel limits and stressed the importance of enforcing them effectively. He urged activists to educate young people about noise pollution and the excessive use of firecrackers, noting that tradition should not become an excuse for disproportionate celebrations. On tree protection, Justice Oka expressed concern over the functioning of tree authorities and questioned the ecological value of compensatory plantations undertaken far away from the locations where trees are felled. He emphasised that distant plantation cannot adequately compensate for the ecological loss caused at the original site. Offering guidance on environmental litigation, Justice Oka advised activists to thoroughly document the environmental impact of projects, undertake detailed studies and prepare well-researched cases before approaching courts. He underscored the importance of constitutional values, compliance with the law and evidence-based legal action in strengthening environmental protection efforts. The meet witnessed participation from environmentalists, social activists, legal professionals and young people from across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai Pune, Nashik, Akola and Nagpur. The gathering provided a platform for exchanging experiences, discussing environmental challenges and strengthening collaboration among those working to protect nature. Justice Oka emphasised that environmental protection cannot succeed through isolated efforts. Organising environmentalists and mobilising the public at large are essential to building a sustained and effective movement for environmental conservation.

The Court must also take note of the erratic redevelopment across the MMR that is adding to the misery.

What will you do with saved water from Powai, unless you get it cleaned of the shit that flows in daily - 18 million litres. @Ilovepowailake

Hello @mybmc - whats this?

At NRI lake?

Its called NRI lake, a wetland

SOS to PM - halt wildlife killings, reform forest management. Kindly sign and report change.org/halt-wildlife-kil…

Very sorry state of affairs

Thank you @MBTheGuide & @DeccanHerald

Agree? teapawt.org/i/grok/share/ilrFmfuls…

Interesting! teapawt.org/i/grok/share/oI4W4BIKX…

Thank you @DeccanHerald