A number of prominent Bollowood personalities atttended the meeting to discuss Mumbai's Development Plan 2034.
Bollywood actors Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Farhan Akhtar and others along with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray came together on Saturday to discuss Mumbai's Development Plan 2034.
Mumbai's Aarey Colony - over 2000 hectares of green cover - is listed in the plan, not as a forest, but as a growth centre. The plan also shows a metro car shed at the location, that the state government has currently put on hold.
"Any step regarding Aarey should be taken with great care because it is home to a lot of wildlife. We have no right to disrupt their home", said actor Aamir Khan at the meeting.
"The Development Plan is a noose around the neck. It is up to you if you want to cut the rope. If the agitation has to come on the streets, we will bring it on the streets," said lyricisit Javed Akhtar.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who hosted the event said he had organised the gathering not as a politician, but a concerned Mumbaikar. "If the government communicates with people about their policies, there will be no need for such gatherings", he said.
Architect and town planner PK Das called for the plan to be scrapped entirely, saying it was irrelevant to the needs and aspirations of the city's resident. He also attacked the proposed increase in the Floor Space Index (FSI), which would allow the city to grow in a taller manner.
"We are comparing FSI with Singapore or New York or Hong Kong. They have first developed their infrastructure and depending on the availability of infrastructure, they've fixed FSI. We are doing the reverse," said Mr Das.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation that has vetted the plan has defended it. "DP 2034 is made professionally to achieve the goals of growth, inclusiveness and sustainability. Our 600 page report contains details that I urge everyone to read," Sitaram Kunte, BMC Municipal Commissioner, told NDTV.
The draft development plan is open to public suggestions till April 25th. A letter signed by those present at the meeting will be sent to the Chief Minister today, asking for the deadline to be extended by six months and for officials to engage with the public and explain the development plan before it is implemented.