In its directives, the CEC categorically mentioned that it would formally recommend to the Supreme Court that all constructions before June 22, 2005 (the date on which the Bombay High Court had passed an order for updating of revenue records pertaining to forest lands) should be treated on par and be dereserved once and for all, on payment of afforestation charges.

Anmol Bhushan, president of PPN, said: “We are glad, we received such a huge response from the residents despite having had a short time to pass on the message. Also, all the residents at the meeting mutually agreed to pay the afforestation charges — their only contention being that their lands be dereserved once and for all. Their cooperation was heartening.”