01 September,2026 08:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Screengrabs from videos of a group performing rituals inside SGNP’s protected river. Pics/By Special arrangement
Around 25 to 30 people entered Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) on August 28 to perform religious rituals, including a Kavad Yatra, inside a protected river and water body. The incident has sparked criticism over the violation of environmental laws and court restrictions on activities in SGNP.
Photos and videos of the gathering circulated on WhatsApp groups triggered anger among nature lovers.
Environmentalists have sought clarity from the forest department on the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether permission was granted for the gathering and what action, if any, will be taken over the alleged violation.
"Such activities are prohibited inside the park. The question is how 25 to 30 people were allowed to enter the premises and carry out rituals in a water body. If permission was granted, on what grounds? If not, where was the Forest Department's enforcement mechanism?"
[popcorn number="Aug 28" desc="Day when the alleged river ritual took place" class="Default"]
Stalin D, environmentalist, NGO Vanashakti
âThe National Park is a protected wildlife zone, but it is rapidly being degraded and turned into a picnic and nuisance zone. Wildlife has no peace inside anymore. The forest department seems to be toeing the line drawn by politicians instead of acting in the interest of wildlife conservation. There is no religious directive in any religious text that says worship includes disturbing wildlife when it can be avoided. Festivities under the guise of religious activities should be restricted to the outer periphery of the park.'
Rohit Joshi, Thane-based environmentalist
âIt is absolutely appalling that despite issuing a formal legal notice last year, these flagrant violations are repeating right under the noses of forest officials. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is already under immense pressure from multiple threats, and reports of devotees allegedly carrying out a Kavad Yatra through a river within the protected area are deeply disturbing.'
