With an increase in unruly visitors, traffic jams, SGNP closes early on Sundays

SGNP

Finding it hard to keep up with its growing popularity this monsoon, Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) has decided to close at 2 pm on Sundays. The park, which used to previously close at 6 pm, has been following this practice for the last two weeks, since the high number of tourists has become a reason for worry. Despite signboards and warnings, tourists venture into gushing streams, increasing the risk of drowning or being attacked by crocodiles populating these water bodies. This concern was emphasized when, on July 29, a college student drowned in Magarpada dam, one of SGNP's dangerous water bodies. His body was not found for three days.

Visitors step into a stream in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP)

Since the monsoon started two months ago, SGNP has seen a significant increase in the number of tourists, with highest numbers on weekends. According to SGNP officials, on an average, 10,000 visitors visit the park each day on weekends.

Range Forest Officer Rajendra Pawar. (below) A signboard warns visitors against entering water bodies in SGNP. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Rajendra Pawar, the Range Forest Officer of Krishnagiri Upvan (the part of SGNP open to visitors), said, "In the past few weeks, we have been seeing around 12,000 visitors on Sundays. So, we have to close entry in to the park by 2 pm as managing such a huge crowd is not an easy job. Last Sunday, there were more than 700 vehicles in the park. We had to stop the entry of more vehicles as traffic jams also takes place inside the park premises." Traffic jams, especially on the road leading to Kanheri Caves, has become an increasing menace, with visitors using the roads to park their vehicles.

A senior official from SGNP informed mid-day, "People often criticise us for not taking action against those who venture into the water. The fact is that we do take action, but given the high number of tourists, it becomes really difficult to address each and every person. We cannot deploy a guard for every 100 metres."

Pawar added, "We have put up banners at various locations warning about flashfloods and the presence of crocodiles but people don't listen. At four places, we have even deployed guards to stop people from entering into water. We are happy that people are visiting SGNP, but they should behave in a responsible manner by following instructions."