Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray has taken an initiative to save Maharashtra Nature Park situated near Dharavi.

The Shiv Sena alleges that the state government wants to use this to open space for redevelopment.

Aditya personally visited the park and held a meeting with office bearers, trustees of Maharashtra Nature Park and environmentalists, who had gathered to show their solidarity with this case.

Aditya Thackery has also started a signature campaign to save Maharashtra Nature park and soon he will be launching an online campaign concerning the same cause.

"I want all citizens to contribute. Citizens will send their objections and suggestion on this. I want the Chief Minister to clarify whether he was aware of the proposal to use this land for redevelopment or not. Will the CM save this nature park is the question we are asking" said Aditya Thackeray.

The Mahim National Park is spread over 16.86 hectares and is home to hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, reptiles and trees.

The Maharashtra government's Slum Rehabilitation Authority has proposed the Mahim Nature Park to be included in the project to increase the land available for redevelopment of Dharavi slum.

The plan is to include the MNP in the development of Sector 5 of the project, which involves the resettlement of nearly 60,000 slum structures in planned habitats under five planning sectors.

"Mahim Nature park is a man-made forest which was dumping ground many years back. You can see greenery here today but it's a result of many years of effort. We need more such spaces where students, nature lovers can come and study or feel relaxed." said Doctor Sanjeev Shavade.

Former Congress south Mumbai MP Milind Deora also also reacted over the issue.

Never before have the Maharashtra Government & BMC held a brief for builders & brazenly tried to encroach on Mumbais open spaces. Mahim Nature Park today. Priyadarshini Park tomorrow. Wake up Mumbai. Lets reclaim our public spaces by getting rid of these crooks #SaveMNP Milind Deora (@milinddeora) March 20, 2018

ALSO WATCH| Won't mind contesting elections, says Yuva Sena chief Aditya Thackeray