Mumbai: SGNP religious events spark row as activists allege violations of environmental laws

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Following a mid-day report on religious events held inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in the last week of August, environmental activists have approached the park's High Power Committee, alleging violations of environmental laws and the Bombay High Court's directions governing non-forestry activities in the protected area.

On September 2, Rohit Joshi, president and convenor of the Yeoor Environmental Society, alleged that a "Kavad Yatra" was conducted through a river inside SGNP on August 24, followed by another ritual on August 28. Environmentalists alleged that both events saw more than 100 people participating, citing photographs and videos as evidence. Joshi also alleged that local politicians orchestrated the events.

The environmentalist submitted the complaint letter to the High Power Committee for SGNP and copied it to senior officials, including Maharashtra's forest and environment departments and officials of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.