The heat is relentless, the rains are erratic, and concrete seems to be winning over little green cover. Disturbed by what she sees as a worsening ecological crisis, veteran actor Moushumi Chatterjee has written to the country’s top political leaders, urging them to protect nature before development comes at an irreversible cost.
(L-R) Narendra Modi, Devendra Fadnavis, Amit Shah, and Eknath Shinde
The actor addressed her letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, expressing her grievances. She says, “The rise in temperature is causing heat waves. The rains have been absconding. This is proof in itself of where we are heading whilst tampering with Mother Nature. After cutting trees at Aarey, they want to cut mangroves in Mumbai, our first line of defense against coastal erosion.” She questions the government’s plans for the livelihoods of the fishermen who depend on the ecosystem. While crediting authorities for building parks, sanctuaries, reserves, and eco-homestays, she says, “it’s not the same”. “The ecological balance is disrupted, and the consequences are far-reaching. The Maharashtra State Wildlife Board approved a mining project in a crucial Tiger corridor despite a wildlife committee’s objection, which involves cutting over 18,000 trees across 35.95 hectares. For the upcoming Andaman and Nicobar Project, several animal and plant species and tribal families in the area will be affected. Is progress necessary to destroy our air, water, and food? I’m sure the authorities are aware of the bigger picture, and will consider the long-term implications of their decisions,” she hopes.
On stray dogs
Pankaja Gopinath Munde
Chatterjee is also appalled by the court’s order to relocate stray dogs. She questions Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Pankaja Gopinath Munde on how she “plans to help financially struggling shelters”. “Compassionate citizens who feed them are being harassed. Community dogs are being killed for no reason. Progress, development, and providing protection is not a legal reason to harm an animal and plant species,” she argues.