Environment lovers and residents have formed a committee which will campaign against DDA’s Bharat Vandana Prangan project in Sector 20 – constructing a theme park in ‘forest’ area.
Environment lovers and activists came together in Dwarka on Tuesday to form a committee that will work to protect the green 'forest' area and stall development work of the Bharat Vandana Prangan project in Sector 20.
Last month, a group of residents had started a campaign – Bharat Vandana Van Bachao Abhiyan – at the project site. These residents are opposing the development of a theme park by DDA at the 80-hectare area site for which tenders have already been floated.
The residents say that the 80-hectare area, which has been earmarked for the project, is the only forest area in Dwarka with flora and fauna and it must be left as it is.
Speaking to City Spidey, V Selvarajan, media coordinator of the committee and president of Green Circle NGO of Dwarka, said, “Bharat Vandana Van Bachao Abhiyan committee has been formed to save our forest area and stop the authorities from converting it into a concrete structure. Today, we discussed the complexity of the subject and way forward. We want to save our forest area at any cost.”
The committee has decided to soon conduct a human chain initiative at the project site. Diwan Singh, who heads the committee, said, “This is one of the last remaining natural forest area in the sub city and is home to around 30 Nilgais, more than 100 peacocks, hares and monitor lizards besides several avian and reptile population. The central water body in the area, with a depth of 20 feet, has the highest water recharging capacity. Hence, this area must be conserved in its natural state.”
The members further added that the human chain that they are planning will see active participation from NGO Green Circle and many other activists from organisations like Sukh Dukh Ke Sathi, Seniors Hub, Dwarka Forum and RWAs of different societies and sectors. “We will make a human chain starting from Marble Market side on April 21 at 5 pm. This will be followed by a public meeting on April 28,” said Singh.
In the public meeting, the committee said that they will invite all prospective MP candidates of South Delhi and West Delhi to address the problem. “They will be called to address key environment-related issues, especially to discuss what their plans are to protect Dwarka's lungs – Bharat Vandana Van. We are also planning to start an online signature campaign,” said Selvarajan.
