Pune’s nature lovers are planning a novel protest against the grant of additional twenty hectares of land to Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) by the Forest Department, which they fear would affect the environment and disturb its serenity.

The protest would be donning ghost masks to protest against the granting of land in Vetal Tekdi a hillock home to the temple of Vetal (ghost) to the ARAI. It may be noted earlier the Forest Department had granted 22.75 hectares of land to ARAI in the hill top-hill slope area near Vetal Tekdi. The latest issue is of an additional 20 hectares. Environmentalists believe that the official grant of the additional land would only mean that the place would be converted into a public or semi-public zone. Internationally renowned scientist Dr Jayant Naralikar had opposed the ARAI project at Vetal Tekdi. Umesh Naik of Prani Pakshi Vruksha Mitra Parivar said the hill should be left alone for city's environmental development.

ARAI has been providing various services to the Indian Automotive Industry in the areas of design & development and know-how for manufacture & testing of components / system to national / international standards. ARAI with the help of 20 enthusiastic volunteers started social responsibility towards society by displaying various hoardings to create awareness about not using colours [Gulal] to save the environment during the famous Pune Ganapati festival. They have permitted use of parking place at ARAI for Door-Step-School. Procurement of Stationery items and providing free display place at SIAT - 2009 for Murals / Paintings made by orphanage were additional helps extended under this endeavor.