Mumbai, Aug 3 (IANS): The Green warriors of the city and tribals celebrated 'Vriksha-bandhan' on Monday by tying 'rakhis' to trees in Mumbai's Aarey Colony, considered the city's lungs, and Thane's Yeoor Hills forests.

Scores of activists and tribals led by Aarey Conservation Group (ACG), Yeoor Environmental Society (YES) and other organisations trooped to the forests and tied rakhis to trees which have been threatened by various developmental projects.

"The Aarey Colony forest has a rich biodiversity and a perfect ecosystema plus it's the catchment area for the Mithi River. We decided to celebrate 'Rakshabandhan' today by tying 'rakhis' to trees which enrich our lives in many ways," said Rohit Joshi, founder-convenor of YES.

ACG spokesperson Amrita Bhattacharjee said all the forests, mangroves, rivers, water bodies and other natural areas have been providing citizens with maximum protection and hence Raksha Bandhan was celebrated as 'Vriksha-Bandhan' to show peoples' concern for environment and the importance of co-existence.

Earlier in the day, environmentalists and tribals, including many youngsters, clad in their traditional attires went to the forests in Aarey and Yeoor, performed puja for the trees, ceremonially tied big and small multi-hued rakhis to their favourite plant, several hugged the tree to express the special bond as others clapped and cheered.

Joshi said that while 'Vriksha-Bandhan' was celebrated for the third year in Aarey, the celebration was launched this year at Yeoor.