Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park Walkers Path Threatened by New Road Construction
Residents of Thakur Village in Kandivli West, Mumbai, have raised serious concerns that could lead to the closure of a cherished walkers path connecting their neighborhood to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). On Monday, locals submitted a formal written complaint regarding the sudden construction of a road within the park from the Thakur Village entrance.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Access Changes
"We were informed that BEST buses will now operate from this end of SGNP instead of the main Borivli entrance," explained one resident. "This means walkers will be forced to travel to the main entrance to access the park, disrupting our daily routines." The construction work began abruptly last week, catching the community off guard.
Environmental and Wildlife Concerns Mount
Anonymous residents expressed alarm over the construction methods, stating, "We don't know if proper permissions were obtained for this road. The way soil is being removed around trees suggests they might not survive. JCB machinery has already disturbed local wildlife, particularly a deer family that frequents the area." Anita Patil, Chief Conservator and Director of SGNP, has not yet responded to media inquiries about these allegations.
BEST Bus Route Cancellation Sparks Controversy
In a related development, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has cancelled bus route A-188, which previously connected Borivli East railway station to Kanheri Caves within SGNP. BEST officials cited wildlife protection as the reason for this decision in an official press release.
However, this cancellation has created unintended consequences for local tribal communities. Tribal residents have complained that stopping this bus route has negatively impacted their children's access to schooling, highlighting the complex balance between conservation efforts and community needs.
Broader Implications for Mumbai's Green Spaces
This situation underscores the ongoing challenges facing urban green spaces in rapidly developing cities like Mumbai. The potential closure of the walkers path represents not just an inconvenience for residents, but a significant change in how citizens interact with one of the city's most important natural resources.
As construction continues without clear official communication, both environmental advocates and local communities await answers about the future of this vital access point to Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
