Maharashtra: 5,000 forest ponds to be set up in Thane in 3 months

In a major development, Maharashtra's Thane is likely to get 5, 000 forest ponds constructed in the next three months. As per an official, this construction will play a pivotal role in irrigational activities and meeting the needs of drinking water.

The work on the project began on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Zilla Parishad's chief executive officer Hiralal Sonawane said.

READ: Sanjay Raut hits out at Devendra Fadnavis over Aarey Forest decision

'Gift to the farmers'

The construction of these reservoirs will reduce the need for tanker water supply in summers.

"The Zilla Parishad will be constructing 5,000 forest ponds across the district in the next three months. This will be a gift to farmers to carry out proper cultivation of vegetables in the district," he said in a statement. The construction of these reservoirs in forest areas will help water percolate underground and the supply would then be available for quite some time, he said. "This will help in growing vegetables, cereals and other Rabi crops in large quantities and also provide water for drinking and washing purposes," the official said. 

READ: Poison fire corals fungus spotted in Australia's rainforest in Cairns

Bombay HC Rejects Plea Seeking Stay On Felling Of Trees In Aarey

In a big blow to the environmental activists on Saturday, a specially constituted Bench of the Bombay High Court (HC) comprising of Justice SC Dharmadhikari and Justice AK Menon rejected their plea for a stay on the felling of trees in Aarey Colony which commenced on Friday night. The Bombay High court had earlier dismissed all petitions challenging the action of the Tree Authority of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in allowing the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) to cut down 2,656 trees in the area.

The stay was for the petitioners to approach the Supreme Court. According to the Mumbai police, 38 people have been arrested while 55 others have been detained for protesting against the felling of trees. 

READ: Bombay HC junks pleas seeking forest tag for the Aarey colony

READ: Yediyurappa says night traffic ban in Bandipur forest road to continue

(With Inputs from PTI)