The Bombay High Court has taken decisive action to address the persistent issues concerning the protection and preservation of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Mumbai. In a public interest litigation case, the Court observed that the Maharashtra government had failed to take adequate steps to safeguard the park for over thirty years. To ensure effective conservation measures, the Court appointed a High-Powered Committee led by former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice (retd.) Dilip Bhosale. The committee’s role is to assess the current state of the park and recommend strategies to protect its ecological and environmental significance.
SGNP, located in Borivali, spans more than 100 square kilometers and is among the largest urban parks globally. It functions as an essential green lung for Mumbai, offering habitat to a wide range of wildlife including leopards, tigers, and numerous bird species. The park also holds historical and cultural significance with sites like the Kanheri Caves, which attract large numbers of visitors annually. The forested area plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, mitigating air pollution, and providing recreational and educational opportunities for city residents.
Over the years, SGNP has faced multiple challenges that threaten its ecological integrity. Encroachments, illegal construction, deforestation, and insufficient enforcement of environmental regulations have adversely affected the park’s biodiversity and natural environment. Despite repeated warnings and interventions, effective measures for conservation were not consistently implemented, leading to the deterioration of some parts of the park and creating risks to its wildlife and flora. The Court’s intervention underscores the urgent need for structured and comprehensive management to protect this critical ecological zone.
The High-Powered Committee is tasked with conducting a thorough evaluation of the park’s present condition, identifying threats to its biodiversity, and proposing actionable solutions. The committee’s recommendations are expected to cover measures to prevent illegal construction, strengthen protection against encroachments, enhance forest management practices, and promote sustainable tourism. It will also provide guidance on policy changes necessary to ensure long-term preservation and will assist in monitoring the implementation of conservation measures.
The Bombay High Court’s decision reflects the judiciary’s proactive role in environmental conservation and its commitment to ensuring accountability from government authorities responsible for safeguarding natural resources. By establishing the High-Powered Committee, the Court aims to create a structured framework for preserving SGNP’s ecological, cultural, and recreational value.
The intervention is significant not only for the park but also for the city of Mumbai, as SGNP provides a vital green space that supports urban biodiversity and contributes to environmental stability. Stakeholders, including environmentalists, government agencies, and citizens, are closely watching the committee’s work, anticipating that its findings will lead to concrete actions that protect and restore the park. The Court’s initiative is expected to ensure that SGNP is preserved for future generations while maintaining its ecological and cultural heritage, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in environmental protection.
This initiative represents a critical step toward safeguarding one of Mumbai’s most valuable ecological assets, highlighting the judiciary’s active involvement in environmental governance and the promotion of sustainable conservation practices.
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