Festivities in the Wild *Sanjay Gandhi National Park*: In a city as bustling and restless as Mumbai, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) stands as a rare oasis of calm. For countless residents and wildlife species, this lush forest is not just a patch of greenery but a lifeline. However, recent festivities and religious gatherings inside the park have sparked outrage among environmental activists, who argue that such events are threatening the delicate balance of this protected ecosystem.
Concerns Over Religious Celebrations
According to activists, a Kanwar Yatra was held inside SGNP in July, followed by another religious event in August. These gatherings, they say, not only disturb wildlife but also go against the very spirit of conservation. What raised further alarm was the subsequent demand by political groups to allow idol immersion rituals within the park’s water bodies, a move that activists believe could lead to grave ecological harm.
Legal Action Taken Against Authorities
On Saturday, environmental groups Vanashakti and the Yeoor Environmental Society escalated their fight by serving a legal notice to the authorities responsible for the park. Advocate Ronita Bhattacharya Bector, representing the groups, sent the notice to the SGNP director, senior forest officials, and the principal secretary of the environment department. The activists reminded the authorities that the Bombay High Court had already issued a 2022 order, clearly prohibiting any non-forest activities—such as ceremonies, idol immersions, or processions—within the national park. The court had also directed forest officials to actively safeguard SGNP’s ecology.
Wildlife at Risk
Stalin D., director of Vanashakti, expressed deep concern over the impact of such gatherings. He warned that loudspeakers, crowds, and water-based rituals could threaten the park’s fragile ecosystem. “Crocodiles, reptiles, and other aquatic life can be harmed if idols or people enter the rivers and lakes within the park. Even ordinary trekkers are restricted from venturing to certain riversides, but religious groups are being allowed in the name of rituals. This double standard must end,” he said.
Demands for Strict Enforcement
The activists are now pressing for the immediate prohibition of all such gatherings inside SGNP. They want forest officers and police deployed to ensure strict enforcement of the law, as well as the issuance of a public notice to make citizens aware that non-forest activities are banned inside the park. If the authorities fail to act, the groups have threatened to file a contempt of court petition against them.
Why This Matters
For many Mumbaikars, SGNP is the city’s green lung, a place that shelters countless species of flora and fauna while offering citizens a much-needed escape from urban chaos. The intrusion of large religious gatherings not only threatens wildlife but also risks undoing years of conservation efforts. The activists’ legal battle is not just about rules—it is about preserving a sanctuary that belongs as much to nature as it does to people.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information shared by environmental activists and available legal documents. Events, interpretations, or outcomes may differ as official proceedings continue. Readers are advised to verify details from official government and court sources before drawing conclusions.
KTM 160 Duke: Launched in India – Power Meets Style at ₹1.85 Lakh
Redmi 15 5G: Slim Design Meets 7000mAh Power – Launching August 19
Poco M7 Pro 5G Review: Style Meets Performance in the Mid-Range