The people living in Thane are very unhappy with the new plan for the Thane-Borivali tunnel road. This tunnel is a big project, and it will connect Thane to Borivali by going under the ground. At first, people thought it would help reduce traffic and save travel time. But recently, the plan was changed. The new plan brings the tunnel closer to homes and green areas. This change made the people very worried. Many of them came out and protested. They are afraid that the new tunnel path will harm the environment and make their lives worse.
Many people in Thane think that the new tunnel plan is not good for the environment. They say that the road work will need many trees to be cut down. Trees are very important because they give clean air and keep the place cool. Cutting trees can cause problems like more heat, more dust, and bad air. People are also afraid that animals and birds living in those trees will lose their homes. They think that saving trees is more important than building a new road, especially if the road is so close to homes.
A housing society called Cosmos Lounge in Chitalsar-Manpada was one of the first places to protest. The people living there were very upset. They said that many trees near their homes were being cut down. They feel sad because those trees have been there for a long time. Some trees are very old, and birds live in them. The people asked the government to change the tunnel plan again. They want the tunnel to go deep underground, so that no trees need to be cut down and the green area can be saved.
Another big problem is the health risk from the construction work. Near another housing area called Haware Citi, a plant for mixing cement has been built. This plant makes cement for the tunnel road. But people are saying that the plant gives out a lot of dust. The dust can be bad for people to breathe, especially for children and old people. Some people say they are already feeling sick because of the dust in the air. They are scared that the air will get worse and they will get more health problems over time.
Many people also think that the tunnel work is happening without telling the public the full truth. They say that the government and the people in charge of the tunnel project are not being honest. The people want to know how many trees will be cut, how many will be planted again, and where they will be planted. They also want to know if anyone is checking the safety of the people living near the tunnel. Right now, they feel like they are not being included in the planning. They want more open meetings and clear answers.
The Thane-Borivali tunnel is a big plan by the Mumbai government to make travel faster and easier. This tunnel will go under a big forest area called Sanjay Gandhi National Park. This park is very important because it has many trees and animals. The tunnel is supposed to help people travel 12 kilometers less than they do now. This sounds like a good idea, but people are worried about the damage it could cause to the park. Even though the plan has been allowed by the government, many studies are still going on to check the effect on nature.
The people living near the park say they love the green area. It gives them peace and fresh air. If the tunnel is built too close, they will lose all that. They are scared that after the tunnel is built, there will be more traffic and more buildings. This will destroy the beauty of the area. They want the government to think again before doing something that cannot be changed later. They believe that once nature is destroyed, it cannot be brought back. That is why they are asking for changes in the tunnel project.
Many people feel that their voices are not being heard. They are asking for more information about the tunnel project, but they are not getting any clear answers. They have asked the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to come and talk to them. Some government people said they would arrange a meeting, but it has not happened yet. The people want the meeting to happen soon. They want to share their problems and give ideas on how to improve the tunnel plan. They hope that if they speak, someone will listen and do something to help them.
The residents also want full data about how many trees will be removed for the tunnel. They are asking to see the permission papers for the tree cutting. They also want to know what the government is doing to grow new trees. People say that just cutting trees is not enough. It is important to plant new trees in good places and take care of them. Some people feel that the government only plants trees to show they did something, but then forgets about them. They want to be sure that real care is taken for every tree cut.
Another issue people are talking about is the cement plant built near their homes. It is called a ready-mix cement (RMC) plant. This plant mixes the cement that will be used in the tunnel work. The plant is very close to homes, parks, and schools. People say that the plant works day and night. It makes loud noises and sends dust into the air. The dust goes into homes and makes people cough and sneeze. Some people say their eyes burn. They want the plant to be removed and placed somewhere far away from homes and schools.
Children and old people are most at risk. Their bodies cannot handle dirty air. Some parents are worried their kids may get asthma or other breathing problems. Old people already have weak health, and now they cannot even go outside. People used to enjoy morning walks and playing in the park. But now they are afraid to go out because of the dust and noise. They feel trapped in their own homes. They say that it is unfair to risk people’s health just to finish a project quickly. They want safety and health to be the top concern.
People are also asking for a full review of the environmental effect of the tunnel. They say that cutting so many trees and building near a forest is not a small thing. It should not be allowed without studying everything properly. Experts say that these studies may take two years. But the work on the tunnel has already started. This makes people think that the government does not care about the results of the study. People feel that the work should stop until the study is finished. Only then should any decision be taken based on real facts.
The area where the tunnel is being built is not just a place for animals and trees. It is also home to many people. They have lived there for years and know the area well. They know how the weather, air, and surroundings have changed. They say that they can feel the change in the air already. It is hotter and more dusty. The trees that used to give shade and clean air are being cut. Birds that used to sing in the morning are gone. People say they miss the nature that made their home special and beautiful.
Even though the tunnel may help in travel, people say that not everything is about speed and cars. They say that good air, quiet places, and healthy families are more important. They are asking the government to think long-term. They believe that roads can be built anywhere, but forests cannot be made again. Once they are gone, they are gone forever. That is why they are asking for better planning. They want the tunnel to go deep underground, without hurting the trees, plants, and animals. They believe it is possible to do the project in a better way.
Many people also think the government should talk more with the public before starting such big projects. They feel that when people are not asked for their views, they are being ignored. People are not against development. They just want development to be smart and safe. If the government talks and listens to them, better solutions can be found. People say that they know the local area better and can help in planning. They want more meetings, clear papers, and real changes. They do not want just promises. They want action that helps both people and nature.
The people who protested hope that their voice will bring some change. They want to live in peace and safety. They are not protesting to stop progress. They just want the progress to happen in a way that is good for everyone. They believe that nature and people both matter. They are ready to work with the government if the government is ready to listen. They hope the tunnel plan will be changed in a way that protects their homes, their health, and their trees. They believe that smart planning is the key to a better future for all.