Mumbai: Sanjay Gandhi National Park parking lot to get drive-in vaccination centre

Permission for the drive-in facility at the SGNP parking lot was given on May 12. Pic/Satej Shinde

Residents of suburbs like Kandivli, Borivli and Dahisar will soon be able to get the Covid-19 vaccine at a drive-in facility planned at the parking lot located at the entrance of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). The civic body recently approached the Forest Department for permissions, and the Chief Conservator of forests and the SGNP Director G Mallikarjun okayed the facility on May 12. The permissions were communicated to the R Central ward office.

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (APCCF)-Wildlife West, Sunil Limaye said, "The BMC wanted to set up a drive-in vaccination centre at Borivli. They approached us as we have a huge parking lot outside the main gate of SGNP. We have given them permission for the same with certain conditions."

In February 2018, the Maharashtra government had passed a Government Resolution (GR) to build a 300-vehicle capacity car park near the SGNP's front gate after which the parking lot was constructed on a two-acre plot.

Also Read: Mumbai: Soon, a drive-in vaccination centre in each ward

The parking lot's large area and location - next to Western Express Highway - is expected to make it an extremely accessible site. While granting permissions, SGNP authorities have said that the BMC alone would have to look after setting up and management of the drive-in and ensure law and order.

The facility will be allowed to operate from 7 am to 5.30 pm and those coming for vaccinations won't be allowed to enter the park.

The BMC recently started drive-in vaccination centres and asked all zonal deputy municipal commissioners to set up at least one drive in centre in their area. The drive-in centres have been getting a good response from people and are particularly useful for senior citizens.

200 acre
Area the parking lot is spread across