“Devil-opment?”

Does Bombay need more parks or more parking lots? Coastal creatures or a Coastal Road? These were some of the rhetorical questions green activist Zoru Bhathena articulated in his talk titled "Development or Devil-opment, Where are we headed?” at a function organized by the National Society of the Friends of the Trees on April 22, 2024 at the Pirojsha Godrej Scout and Guide Pavilion. The organization’s journal Vanashobha 2021-23 was released by Bhathena along with president emeritus and editor of the publication Dr Pheroza Godrej and Prof (Dr) Arun Sawant. As stated Godrej, "In keeping with our objectives (to save trees), we print very few copies (of the journal).” The current journal will be available on their website soon.

Does the city need leopard tracks or Metro tracks? queried Bhathena about the depot planned inside the Aarey forest. Referring to the depleting marine life around the city’s shores, he asked whether we wanted dolphins or double-lane roads. The tree lover and vocal crusader spoke against depletion of the city’s green cover in an illustrated presentation: "Why do we have to choose (between infrastructure and greenery)? Why can we not have both?” While the presentation did not offer solutions, over tea Bhathena explained that one exit for the Metro line was planned to descend in a garden within Tata Blocks (colony) in Bandra. The idea was vociferously opposed. "(The authorities) said okay, we will not do it,” he mentioned, adding that discussion with the officials may sometimes yield results.

From l: Dr Pheroza Godrej, Zoru Bhathena,

Prof (Dr) Arun Sawant holding up Vanashobha

Introducing Bhathena, president of the Society, Sawant stated he was known for his many petitions (on the city’s green cover) and called him a great help to the Society.

April 22, the day of the event, marks Earth Day, the annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Days like Earth Day remind us to look closely at our environment, said Godrej. "It is a day to reflect on our shared heritage… and to remind us to preserve the planet for peace,” she stated. "Despite efforts such as fuel-efficiency standards, electric vehicles, tree planting programs and more, the earth continues to suffer… The earth’s condition worsens with each passing day… Our involvement is crucial because every small effort collectively makes a significant difference,” she stated.

The chairman emeritus, who has been editing Vanashobha since 2010, said, "I would also like to mention an initiative of organizing Sarvajanik Holi at Shivaji Park and Chowpatty by the then sheriff of Bombay, the late Sohrabji Pirojsha Godrej, which aimed to promote community gatherings at a central location and discourage the cutting of live trees for the Holi fire.”

The meeting began with a screening of a documentary on the work of Jadav Payeng, environmental activist and forestry worker from Majuli, Assam, popularly known as the Forest Man of India. Over the course of several decades, Payeng has planted and tended trees on a sandbar of the river Brahmaputra turning it into a forest reserve.

The Society was established in 1957 by former state chief minister Vasantrao Naik, National Centre for the Performing Arts founder Jamshed Bhabha, industrialist Sohrab Godrej, erstwhile chairman of Tata Steel Russi Mody, and environmentalists B. G. Gade, Joseph John and Mrinalini Sarabhai. Nearly 1,400 life members and 26 permanent corporates and benefactors and ordinary members constitute the body.. F. J.