Religious structure in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) worries the authorities

Religious structure in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) worries the authorities

Religion, unfortunately, is often used as a tool to coerce, even if subtly somebody to let go even if rules are bent, or laws broken.

The case in point is the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). Even as the authorities are making all efforts to protect every inch of the 812 acres that have been declared a forest in Aarey Milk Colony, encroachment of a religious structure continues to be a key concern for the authorities concerned

Reportedly, a political pressure is being used to prevent the forest department from constructing a protection wall.

The forest department thus needs all the help and support to build the wall as it is extremely important keep away encroachments and protect the green space.

Authorities need to see through pressure exerted under the guise of religion. Religion, unfortunately, is often used as a tool to coerce, even if subtly somebody to let go even if rules are bent, or laws broken.

This time around, it is time to be harsh against this pressure and start educating locals in how important is it to have a wall. In the end, protecting a forest means that locals will benefit and they will suffer when there is encroachment of any kind.

Even in the city, roads, pavements and some public spaces may be taken over by an unauthorised religious structure. Ironically, there is an hesitation to initiate any course of action in this case because there due to a fear of being seen as against a particular religion or discriminatory.

It is also easy for vested interests to whip people into a frenzy when it comes to religion, and those who are seeking to stick by the law by seeking the removal of this structure are targeted.

There are groups and vandals who are hell-bent to see that the encroachment stays. They take the help of small/local leaders who can start a campaign of fear and favour and turn what is a simple encroachment issue into one of faith.

It is time people too, see these designs to divide and wear a lens of logic and good sense. Preservation of a precious space means a win-win situation for people.

News Edit K.V.Raman