Thane's Environment Day: Celebrations and Controversies

World Environment Day in Thane was marked by diverse events on Thursday. The Bharatiya Janata Party led a sapling plantation drive, part of their 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' programme, held at Kamgar Hospital. The initiative, which will continue until August 15, also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Emergency.

However, contrasting sentiments emerged as the Shramjivi Sanghatana, a tribal welfare organization, announced its withdrawal from a bamboo plantation drive. This decision comes in response to the Maharashtra government's delay in providing land titles under the Forest Rights Act. Despite claims being approved nine months ago, over 9,400 individuals remain without rightful documentation.

The organization's spokesperson, Pramod Pawar, emphasized their disappointment, stating no final clearance had been given, prompting their withdrawal from both Thane and Palghar districts. This highlights ongoing challenges and unfulfilled promises in the region's environmental and tribal welfare initiatives.

(With inputs from agencies.)