In a strong display of vigilance, villagers of Surla in Salikee stopped the illegal cutting of thousands of trees that had begun in the area. Locals alleged that the activity was carried out secretly during the festive hustle of Ganesh Chaturthi, with the intention of avoiding detection.
According to resident Uday Natekar, Surla has faced environmental threats for decades. In 1980, mining was forcibly started in the village, exploiting the lack of awareness among residents and intimidating those who resisted. The large-scale mineral extraction and subsequent dumping of mining waste severely affected local agriculture and farmers’ livelihoods.
In 2007, the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and the late Minister Dr. Suresh Amonkar intervened, leading to a stay order. Villagers also petitioned the High Court, which reinforced the stay on mining operations.
Despite these safeguards, villagers were shocked to find that an unknown individual had resumed destruction of the regenerated forest. The local Panchayat Board was reportedly unaware of the activity until residents raised the alarm.
Villagers have demanded strict action against those behind the illegal felling and warned that destruction of the forest could threaten Surla’s biodiversity. They fear that displaced wildlife such as tigers, wild boars, and peacocks may move into the village, creating further ecological imbalance and risks for residents.