Sanjay Gandhi National Park trees burnt, land grabbed, says activist

The activist says this road has been illegally built inside the park

Attempts are being made to grab land at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a green activist has alleged. As per Stalin D from NGO Vanashakti, trees have been chopped in recent weeks and a wide road has been created between SGNP and Aarey outside Royal Palms at Goregaon.

"In recent times, there have been increasing intrusions into the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and breach of the boundary walls of SGNP and Aarey Milk Colony. Just before the split [about 50 mtrs] where one road goes to Royal Palms and the another leads to Sai Bangoda, we have seen that both walls have been breached and a road has been made in the forest."

Stalin said one wall belongs to the SGNP and the other is under the care of the Aarey Dairy Development Corporation. "Trees have been chopped and a wide road has been made. A little south, trees have been burnt and debris dumped. New constructions have come up on the roadside near the burnt trees. Shops and godowns are being made and some completed as well," he said.

Stalin has complained about the alleged land-grab attempt to the Maharashtra chief secretary, the secretary of the Union ministry of environment and many top state government officials and the BMC in a letter. and sent pictures of the violations.

"We have made similar complaints for other areas in SGNP and Aarey during the last two years but we are disappointed that there has been absolutely no action taken. Please take immediate action to save whatever forests are remaining. We request you to set up a joint vigilance team of Forest department officials and MCGM [BMC] to stem this menace. It has reached alarming proportions now," he wrote in his letter.

A senior forest department official told mid-day, "I have also received a complaint about the same and instructions have been given to the deputy director (south), SGNP, to enquire and take steps accordingly."