Jain monk Nileshchandra backs Raj Thackeray over Sai Dongar tree felling

The controversy over tree felling at Sai Dongar in the Karjat-Bhimashankar area has intensified. Local residents and environment lovers are opposing the work, and political leaders are also seen pressing the government on the issue. MNS chief Raj Thackeray has spoken bluntly to the government and signalled that he is preparing to launch an agitation. Jain monk Nileshchandra has now reacted to the matter.

Nileshchandra has backed Raj Thackeray's stand on the environment. He said clearly that if Thackeray calls him, he is ready to join the agitation himself. He extended the support on the question of the environment.

Reactions of all kinds are also appearing on social media over the tree felling at Sai Dongar. Against this backdrop, the monk cited Lord Mahavira's principle of "live and let live". He said that if Thackeray is raising his voice to protect trees and animals, he supports that stand.

Saying that the pigeon issue and the question of saving the forest are separate, he spoke of standing with efforts to protect the environment. He also said he has no connection with any political party, and that society will stand behind those who protect trees and living beings.

According to the monk, he is ready to go to Karjat and take part in the agitation if Thackeray invites him. He also said that, whichever company it may be, he will not support it on the environment issue.

Meanwhile, MLA Aaditya Thackeray has already visited Sai Dongar. Raj Thackeray is due to visit the area, so attention is being drawn to the matter from both political and environmental angles.

Local residents have objected to the tree felling at Sai Dongar and to decisions linked to the Torrent project. They have raised the question of how further proceedings are being carried out even though there was heavy opposition from locals at the project's public hearing.

Local citizens, environment lovers and some political leaders are registering their protest on the issue. All eyes are now on what stand the administration takes on the tree felling and who backs the agitation as it proceeds.