For many, a party with loud music and free-flowing alcohol in the midst of the wild may seem to be the best way to bring in the New Year. But the Bombay high court has a different opinion.
The high court, on Wednesday, restricted the entry of private vehicles inside the protected forest of Yeoor Hills, a popular party destination, after sunset.
While hearing a PIL alleging encroachment and illegal constructions inside the forest area surrounding the hills, which is also a tribal dominated area, the high court had earlier ordered the demolition of several bungalows and resorts.
Only vehicles owned by locals will be allowed to enter the hills through the main gate post-sunset, ruled the division bench of justice JN Patel and justice Amjad Sayed. The court has also directed the conservator of forest and director of Sanjay Gandhi National Park to allow private vehicles during the day after issuing tickets.
“If the vehicle fails to leave before sunset, necessary action should be taken against the owners,” the order said. Also, government, air force, satellite station, emergency and public transport vehicles are allowed to enter the area after sunset.
The court questioned the government’s inaction for not protecting the forest area. “What were you doing till now? Why did you have to wait for the tribals to file a PIL?” questioned Patel.
The PIL claims that about 250 bungalows have been illegally constructed on the hill over the past several years. However, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) told the court that it was in the process of demolishing the constructions. Representing the petitioners, advocate Suhas Oak, told the court that hardly two bungalows have been demolished in the past two months.
According to the PIL, a large part of the land belonged to the tribals. In 1957, the government declared them as protected tenants. Also in 1974, a legislation was passed by the state under the Land Revenue Code and Restoration Act, which restrained sale of tribal lands to private individuals.
