26 May,2026 09:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
The groups stated that the name “Sanjay Gandhi National Park” carries historical, environmental and social significance for Mumbai residents. File Pic
Three environmental and animal welfare organisations have opposed the Maharashtra government's reported proposal to rename Sanjay Gandhi National Park as "Atal Bihari Vajpayee Park" and establish a world-class university within or near the protected forest area.
The organisations - International Organisation for Animal Protection, Amma Care Foundation and Plant & Animals Welfare Society Mumbai - submitted a detailed representation to the Maharashtra government expressing serious environmental and legal concerns.
According to the representation, Sanjay Gandhi National Park acts as the "green lungs" of Mumbai, Thane and Mira-Bhayandar.
The organisations stated that the park plays a major role in maintaining biodiversity, water resources, wildlife habitats and ecological balance in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region amid rising urbanisation, pollution and climate change.
The NGOs warned that constructing a large university project within or around the protected forest area would require extensive infrastructure development.
This could include roads, transport systems, electricity supply, parking facilities and increased human activity, which they said may lead to habitat fragmentation and disturbance to wildlife.
The representation mentioned threats to species such as leopards, deer and birds living inside the national park.
The organisations argued that increased traffic, commercial activity, noise pollution and light pollution would conflict with the objectives of the Wildlife Protection Act and the Forest (Conservation and Enhancement) Act.
They also cited observations reportedly made by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), stating that a university project within the notified national park area could not be recommended.
Officials reportedly advised that any such project should instead be considered outside ecologically sensitive wildlife zones.
The groups also objected to the proposed renaming of the park, saying the name "Sanjay Gandhi National Park" carries historical, environmental and social significance for Mumbai residents.
They pointed out that forest authorities had reportedly recommended retaining the words "National Park" in any future name to avoid confusion regarding the site's legally protected status.
The representation submitted by the NGOs includes several demands:
- No approval for any university or large-scale construction project within the national park or nearby ecologically sensitive zones
- Selection of alternative land outside the protected forest area for the proposed university
- Retention of the words "National Park" in the official name
- Protection of the legal and ecological status of the forest area
- Public consultations involving environmental experts, wildlife researchers, citizens and NGOs before any final decision
The representation has also been sent to Bhupender Yadav, Devendra Fadnavis, Ganesh Naik and other senior forest officials for further consideration.
